A TAXI driver acquitted of sexual assault is battling to get his licence back after his life was ‘turned upside down’.

The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, was found not guilty of sexual assault on a female at Chester Crown Court in November.

Since June 2016, cabbies across the town have been required to have cameras fitted in their vehicles to improve the safety of passengers and drivers.

Vehicle CCTV footage is kept for 14 days before being automatically overwritten.

The alleged sexual assault incident took place in 2017 but police, based in another local authority, failed to analyse the CCTV footage as they were unaware taxis in Warrington were fitted with cameras.

The driver, who had his licence revoked by Warrington Borough Council in March last year, has criticised the authority for not reinstating it following the acquittal.

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He says: “I have not been working for more than nine months now and I have got a family to support.

“I have lost my livelihood. It has turned my life upside down.

“I want to get back to working as soon as possible.

“I have had a lot of support from the community and, in particular, our taxi trade representative through this ordeal – they have provided crucial emotional and financial support.”

Police insist there was enough evidence to charge the driver but have admitted that they have ‘learned’ from the incident.

Det Sgt John Lyons said: “A full case file of evidence was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspect with sexual assault even with the missed CCTV opportunity.

“The investigating officers were based in another local authority and were unaware that taxis in Warrington are all fitted with CCTV cameras.

“By the time they became aware of its existence, the footage had been deleted.

“However, we have learned from this case and will ensure that officers across the county will be made aware that Warrington taxis are fitted with cameras, which could assist future investigations.”

DS Lyons, who says all reports of sexual assault are treated extremely seriously, has reassured victims that they should feel confident of receiving the help and support needed from specialist officers and support agencies.

He added: “Rape and sexual assault are two of the most serious of all criminal offences, which can inflict lasting trauma on victims and have a devastating effect on their families.

“All victims will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and the needs of the victim as our main priority.”

Afthkar Quayyum, a spokesman for Warrington’s hackney carriage and private hire drivers, labelled the council’s decision to revoke the driver’s licence as ‘premature’.

Furthermore, he issued a plea to the police force.

He said: “The council must adopt a flexible approach to this matter to ensure an innocent man can get his licence back.

“This can’t happen again. This is a dangerous precedent to have.

“The council have to realise what they have actually done.

“From the police, I want assurances that the communication around CCTV in Warrington taxis is clear within Cheshire Police and neighbouring police forces.

“It is really important that we get assurances from the council and police.”

The council says it has made arrangements for its licensing sub-committee to determine the licence application at the ‘earliest opportunity’.

A spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on specific ongoing cases but we are mindful of justice and the right of individuals to earn a living.

“We also acknowledge the important contribution of the taxi trade across the borough.

“As the licensing authority, we have a duty to protect the public, to detect crime and to keep children and vulnerable adults safe.

“We are determined to work closely with our partners and the trade to achieve this. CCTV continues to form part of this policy.”

The spokesman also insists the authority will continue to work with the trade to ensure procedures are of a high standard to protect drivers and the public.

He added: “Any decision to revoke a licence is made having regard to the evidence available at the time.

“Any person can apply for a licence but it is not possible to simply reinstate a licence that has been formally revoked.

“We are governed by a statutory process and must act in a fair and consistent way to all applicants, in accordance with our policy.”