Uber driver suspended

AN UBER driver accused of a sex attack on a customer has had his licence suspended.

The 42-year-old driver appeared before a council hearing after being charged with a sexual offence.

AN UBER driver accused of a sex attack on a customer has had his licence suspended.

Mohammed Waqas Ali appeared before the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.

The 42-year-old failed to convince councillors he should allowed to continue operating as a private hire driver.

The committee suspended the Pollokshields resident’s licence until its expiry date in January next year.

Mr Ali is alleged to have sexually assaulted with penetration a woman on a Cumbernauld Street in on January 27.

He appeared in court on February 19 and pleaded not guilty.

Bail was granted on three grounds, that he: does not contact the complainant, does not enter the street i n Cumbernauld and does not drive a taxi.

The committee had to get involved because technically a private hire licence is different from a taxi licence. Councillors heard him make his case and decided to ban him from driving a private hire, following the court. Mr Ali told the committee, “I am not guilty”, before Ali. saying“the in the car”. Councillor Rhiannon Spear asked if there was any way Uber could ensure he is not deployed to the street of the incident. It was confirmed from Mr Ali that he could not choose where to be deployed. Bailie John Kane also asked: paper out?” responded: to The Councillors my lawyer.” alleged work “Have “No, that you sex sir. asked was read attacker I gave sent the for it got a final appeal from Mr med, is was friend, then Nur allowed Moham- to translate the question for him so he properly understood it. Mr Ali added: “I need to live. I have a family, children, parents and a cousin who is handicapped to look after. I have no other jobs. I will have nothing to eat.”