(Leicester) A Taxis driver who was caught on film refusing to pick up a Charles Bloch a registered Blind customer who had booked a taxis due to the fact he had his guide dog with him has been found guilty and fined. In his defence Abandi Kassim stated:
"I was confused because I was scared of the dog and at the time I did not know the difference between the guide dog and the normal dog. It was a mistake, it was a lack of training, I think there should be a course about dogs. I know about them now and would take them now."
This is the second time Mr Bloch has taken action against a taxi firm, with him bringing a similar case in November.
Kassim was fined £340 for the offence and ordered to pay £50 compensation and the city council's £200 court costs. Following the hearing, ADT Taxis, based in Loughborough, who issued a public apology to Mr Bloch and Miss Graham following the incident, said: "Mr Kassim is no longer one of our drivers and hasn't been since the incident."
"I was confused because I was scared of the dog and at the time I did not know the difference between the guide dog and the normal dog. It was a mistake, it was a lack of training, I think there should be a course about dogs. I know about them now and would take them now."
This is the second time Mr Bloch has taken action against a taxi firm, with him bringing a similar case in November.
Kassim was fined £340 for the offence and ordered to pay £50 compensation and the city council's £200 court costs. Following the hearing, ADT Taxis, based in Loughborough, who issued a public apology to Mr Bloch and Miss Graham following the incident, said: "Mr Kassim is no longer one of our drivers and hasn't been since the incident."
