A fake taxi driver was caught by police in Birmingham city centre after his passengers confirmed they did not know him. Mohammed Ramzan, 38, was stopped on Corporation Street on December 20 last year with people in his car. He told officers he was driving friends around the city, but his passengers later stated they had never met him before and had jumped into his vehicle believing he was a taxi.
Court Details
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 9, Ramzan, from Handsworth, pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without a licence. The court heard he already had 11 points on his licence, meaning he now faces a driving ban. Ramzan confirmed he wanted to challenge the ban by making an exceptional hardship claim.
Prosecutor Ruman Dhami said: "The defendant was driving on Corporation Street when he was stopped by a marked police vehicle, believing he was acting as a taxi without the correct licence. He stated he had friends around. When passengers exited, officers asked if they had ordered him. They said they jumped into his vehicle as he was a taxi and had never met him previously."
A search of Ramzan's property found a letter from City of Wolverhampton Council stating his taxi licence had been revoked.
Defence and Claims
In his police interview, Ramzan gave a prepared statement denying any wrongdoing. He said he was dropping friends off after a night out. Representing himself in court, he said he was not working and receiving Universal Credit. He added: "I'm remorseful. I'm trying to become a carer for my elderly parents. They have disabilities. I'm a caring person. I love my family."
Ramzan also claimed he was 'very close' to Perry Barr MP Ayoub Khan and had helped him campaign. He said he attended the mosque and did charity work.
Driving Ban
The Chair of the Bench said: "You are going to become a 'totter'. When adding up the points on your licence, the minimum points we can give you is three. The total you will have is 14. We can't give you less. You are going to cross the threshold and become disqualified today."
Ramzan was told he could make an exceptional hardship claim but the bar was 'exceptionally high'. The magistrate recommended he seek legal advice and back up his claim with evidence. The case was adjourned until February 10 next year.
