The decision to let a convicted rapist keep his taxi operator licence has led to major political consequences in the Highlands. Four councillors have stepped down from Highland Council’s licensing committee after facing strong public criticism over their vote.
The case has sparked debate about public safety, accountability, and the responsibilities of elected officials when making licensing decisions.
Four Councillors Step Down After Controversial Vote
The controversy began after Highland Council’s licensing committee voted to allow taxi operator David Brown to keep his operator licence. The decision followed a request from Brown’s family, despite his conviction for rape.
Six male councillors supported the application, while four female councillors voted against it.
Following widespread criticism, committee chairman Sean Kennedy resigned from the licensing committee. John Grafton, Duncan Macpherson, and Willie MacKay also stepped down from the committee.
MacKay later resigned from Highland Council completely. Meanwhile, Grafton was suspended by the Scottish Liberal Democrat group on the council. SNP councillor Chris Birt has also been asked by party leader Raymond Bremner to resign from the committee.
Convicted Taxi Driver Allowed to Keep Operator Licence
David Brown, 50, was sentenced in May to six years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of raping an 18 year old passenger in December 2023.
Earlier, authorities had suspended his taxi driver’s licence in January 2024 after details of the case became public. However, his operator licence remained under separate review.
Unlike a driver’s licence, an operator licence allows a vehicle to operate as part of a taxi business. The licensing committee decided to let that licence remain in place.
The decision quickly attracted criticism from members of the public and political figures who argued that it sent the wrong message about public safety.
Details of the Criminal Case
During the trial, the court heard that Brown picked up the young woman after a night out in Inverness. She had planned to return to her village in the Highlands.
Instead of taking her home, Brown drove beyond her destination before stopping near a farm between Strathpeffer and Dingwall. Prosecutors said he sexually assaulted the passenger before abandoning her in Dingwall during freezing weather.
The victim was left alone in subzero temperatures after the attack.
Brown denied the allegations and claimed the encounter was consensual. However, a jury found him guilty after a three day trial. The judge described the victim’s experience as a terrifying ordeal before handing down the prison sentence.
Political Fallout Continues
The resignations have increased pressure on Highland Council as questions continue over how the licensing decision was reached.
Many critics believe public confidence in the licensing process has been damaged. They have called for stronger safeguards to ensure serious criminal convictions are fully considered when decisions involving public transport licences are made.
The controversy is expected to remain under close scrutiny as the council reviews its licensing procedures and addresses concerns raised by the public.
