Blind justice for taxi driver

We have absolutely no problem in naming and shaming the Sunderland taxi driver who refused to take a guide dog in his cab.

Goran Abdullah, of Avonmouth Road, Farringdon, was caught out by council officials in an undercover sting.

The 35-year-old claimed he was allergic to dogs and had an exemption certificate to prove it. He was lying.

For all his protestations of innocence, the driver was wholly in the wrong. This is not, however, an isolated case.

The council launched the operation on the back of a number of complaints.

It beggars belief that in this day an age, taxi drivers are discriminating against disabled people.

Blind people are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Their guide dogs give them freedom and the confidence get about their daily lives. What a huge blow to their confidence, not to mention their rights it must be to be rejected.

We trust taxi companies are doing their utmost to help the disabled in our community. We understand that there may just be a few bad apples spoiling the barrel, but those bad apples are multiplying.

A recent survey by the Guide Dogs charity found the number of incidents of refusals had doubled in under three years.

Making people aware of the problem and naming and shaming those caught out is a good step forward.

What helps make that message hit home is the punishment.

We applaud the court for ordering the driver to pay £599 in fines and costs.

Further disciplinary action could follow.

This shameful practice needs to be rooted out. Well done Durham County Council.