A licensed driver whose licence was revoked by Winchester Council for touching a woman 'inappropriately', has lost his appeal.

The Hampshire Chronical reported that Ashfaq Ur-Rehman appeared at Winchester Crown Court.  The woman complainant, told the court that Mr Ur-Rehman had touched her in a sexual way, used inappropriate words and drove too fast.

The court heard on one occasion in autumn 2020 he touched her thigh.

She reportedly said: "He leaned over to grab my leg. His hand grabbed my leg and I got out of the car. I told him he would never touch me again, I shouted. I then got into another vehicle for sanctuary. 

"It was inappropriate behaviour, I didn't want to be there.”

She told the court that Mr Ur-Rehman made comments such as 'you look lovely today' and 'you look so fresh'.

The court heard that Mr Ur-Rehman, when applying to Winchester City Council to renew his licence in 2012, he failed to disclose a caution he had received in 2007. 

The court also heard about previous complaints relating to Mr Ur-Rehman. They included a 'fracas' with another taxi driver in 2014 and overcharging a customer by 60p in 2015.

Jason Cross, barrister for Mr Ur-Rehman, said that Mr Ur-Rehman had been a taxi driver since 1997 and that English was not his first language. 

His wife Maniza Ur-Rehman described her husband as a 'caring and helpful person' and said her husband would be unable to hold a conversation with the complainant due to his poor English.

Recorder Charles Langley found that Mr Ur-Rehman did touch the respondent's thigh and make inappropriate comments. However, he found that there was no evidence of speeding, but that he did jump a red light on one occasion.

Mr Langley said: “He knew he did not have an exemplary record.”

As well as the unsuccessful appeal, the court ruled that Mr Ur-Rehman pay costs of £12,500 in favour of the city council within six months.