David Brown, a 50-year-old taxi driver convicted of raping an 18-year-old passenger in the Highlands, has had his taxi operator’s licence temporarily retained following a controversial council review.
The attack occurred in a lay-by near a farm after Brown picked up the teenager in Inverness on December 3, 2023. Judge Lord Renucci described the incident as a “terrifying ordeal.” Police objected to Brown retaining his licences, which led to a private hearing held by Highland Council.
Brown was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison in May at the High Court in Stirling. He denied the charge, claiming the encounter was consensual. However, the court heard that he drove past the victim’s home and assaulted her while she was vulnerable and intoxicated. After the attack, Brown abandoned her in Dingwall in freezing temperatures. The ordeal was only interrupted when a Tesco staff member offered her shelter.
Despite police objections during a licensing committee meeting on June 23, 2026, councillors initially voted to allow Brown to keep his taxi licences. This decision has since been paused following a Standing Order 16 Notice of Referral, which will prompt a full Highland Council review at a future meeting. The council declined to comment on the private case but emphasized that licensing decisions remain the authority’s responsibility.
Police Scotland confirmed their attendance at the licensing committee where they registered an objection. A spokesperson stated, “The decision on whether to grant a license is a matter for the Council.” Detectives had previously traced Brown after the victim contacted police, securing sufficient evidence for conviction.
The victim provided pre-recorded evidence stating that Brown offered to take her home despite her lacking fare money. Lord Renucci condemned Brown for exploiting her vulnerability while intoxicated. He noted that the victim, expecting a safe journey, instead endured a traumatic sexual assault and was left out in the cold, a situation only alleviated when a local Tesco worker offered help.
Originally published by UKNIP.
