A taxi driver accused of sexually abusing a dog has had his licence suspended, due to ongoing court proceedings.
Peter Leigh held a specific ‘Accessible Taxi Licence’ meaning he was able to take passengers with additional needs in his car, including those needing space and ramps for a wheelchair.
However, that licence has been suspended now court proceedings against him have started.
Mr Leigh has already appeared in court twice, alongside another man and a woman – Ian Chatting-Tonks and Elaine Michelle Pasquier – in connection with a number of alleged crimes.
As well as offences involving Mr Chatting-Tonks’ dog, the charges Mr Leigh faces include possessing extreme pornographic images, and engaging in an indecent manner in public with Ms Pasquier.
The trio appeared in court earlier this week.
After that, a spokesperson for Driver and Vehicle Licensing confirmed to Express that Mr Leigh’s taxi licence has been suspended.
“Due to ongoing court proceedings, Driver & Vehicle Licensing can confirm an individual has had their Public Service Vehicle (PSV) suspended, meaning that they cannot currently operate as a taxi driver.
“The accessible taxi plate assigned to the individual’s vehicle has not been removed at this time, but while the permit suspension is in place, the vehicle can be used by other suitably qualified driver(s).”
Mr Leigh’s first court appearance, alongside his co-defendants, was on Monday 21 July.
On Thursday 24 July, the States issued a media release stating that Driver & Vehicle Licensing was looking for “expressions of interest from anyone interested in applying for an Accessible Taxi Licence”.
However, the spokesperson for the DVL has said this was not linked with the court case or the suspension of Mr Leigh’s licence – and was instead aimed at widening the availability of accessible taxis by adding another one into service.
The media release said that the successful applicant would need to purchase a vehicle that meets DVL’s minimum requirements regarding wheelchair transportation, and that any individuals that would be driving the vehicle would need to apply for a taxi Public Service Vehicle Permit if they do not already hold one, and to undertake a Passenger Assistance Training Course”.
The deadline for applications passed last week and DVL has confirmed to Express that a new Accessible Taxi Licence has been awarded to another individual.
“The recent expressions of interest to operate an accessible taxi plate is unrelated and was issued to add another accessible taxi into the community,” explained the spokesperson.
“The deadline for expressions was Friday 8 August and confirmation given to the successful applicant on Tuesday 13 August.”
While Mr Leigh’s car is understood to still bear a taxi plate, he is not allowed to take any paying passengers while his licence is suspended.
A spokesperson for the DVL confirmed to Express that another licensed taxi driver is able to use the vehicle while Mr Leigh is suspended but they would need to have completed the ATC training to use the accessible element of the vehicle.