Taxi driver in sexual assault arrest is released

A TAXI driver who was arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old passenger has been released without charge.

Police revealed that proceedings against the man, released on bail following his arrest on February 1, had been brought to a close as there “was not a realistic prospect of conviction”.

The 21-year-old private hire driver was questioned by police following the incident which allegedly occurred when the teenager was left alone with him after her friend was dropped off at home.

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It also emerged that the taxi firm that the driver had been working for — Venture Taxis, of Station Road, Wath — had been trading without an operators’ licence.

Rotherham Borough Council forced Venture Taxis to stop trading but South Yorkshire Police this week revealed that the accused driver had been released without charge after weeks of investigation.

A police spokeswoman said: “In consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it was determined that there was not a realistic prospect of conviction against a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in Rotherham.

“He has therefore been released without charge.”

Venture Taxis ceased to trade last month but its drivers are now employed by the firm’s sister company, Martini Taxis of Masbrough, who share the same owner.

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Speaking shortly after the closure of Venture, a spokeswoman for the borough council said: “This is completely legal but due to the failure of the operator to operate Venture without a licence, the Council is to review his role as to whether he is 'fit and proper' to run the Martini operation.”

 

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