FIT AND PROPER
CUMBERLAND COUNCIL REVOKES WORKINGTON DRIVER’S LICENCE FOLLOWING CRIMINAL CHARGES
Cumberland Council has revoked the licence of a taxi driver charged with a serious racially aggravated offence after he posted Facebook content which was “Islamophobic” and “homophobic”. Cabbie Gerard Glaister, from Work- ington, was arrested by Cumbria Police on 8 August 2024. Upon receiving this information from Cumbria Police, Cumberland Council conducted an immediate and thorough review of the driver’s hackney carriage licence. Given the severity of the charges, the council decided to revoke the driver’s
licence with immediate
effect in the interest of public safety. A Cumberland Council spokes- person said: “This action sends a
clear and strong message that we will not tolerate any behaviour that threatens the safety, dignity, or trust of our community. “The nature of these charges is deeply concerning, and we have acted swiftly to
remove this
individual from a position of public responsibility. Those involved in criminal activities will be held accountable.” Glaister appeared at Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday 13 August, after attending the Magistrates’ Court the previous week. He has yet to enter a plea to charges made under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 relating to an “offensive” Facebook profile he allegedly created for “the pur- pose of causing distress or anxiety
to the recipient” of the content. During a 20 minute hearing at the crown court, the defendant spoke only to confirm his personal details. Judge Nicholas Barker set the date for the start of the trial as December 11. The case is expected to last for two to three days. Judge Barker told Glaister that he must return to court on Friday September 13 to formally enter his plea, though the court was told he had indicated an intention at an earlier hearing to plead not guilty.
The judge renewed the defen- dant’s bail with certain conditions, including that the defendant must post nothing on the internet or on social media.
PHTM SEPTEMBER 2024
49
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