Milton Keynes taxi driver fined more than £1,000 for driving away from customer with guide dog

On Monday (October 5), Bubakarr Jalloh pleaded guilty by post for failing to take a guide dog under the Equality Act 2010.

Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court heard that on October 17 2019 Jalloh, whose vehicle was operated by Skyline Taxis at the time, drove away from a pre-booked customer in Kingston after discovering they would be travelling with their guide dog.

He was fined £315 by the court, ordered to pay costs of £770, and a victim surcharge of £34.

The incident was first investigated by Milton Keynes Council (MKC), which said Jalloh's punishment was an 'excellent result'.

MKC's Mick Legg said: “This is an excellent result and demonstrates quite clearly that it is unlawful for a private hire driver to refuse to pick up a properly booked person with a guide dog. I would like to personally thank the complainant for coming forward and reporting this matter to us.

“MKC has a zero-tolerance approach to offences under the Equality Act 2010 and this case clearly demonstrates our position.”

Jalloh is currently licensed by Buckinghamshire Council, which will reportedly take appropriate action concerning his licence.