Sir.-I write regarding the article in last Friday's Gazette concerning the conviction of private hire driver Anthony Middleton of indecent assault.
In the report, Colin Thomson, head of environmental health, licensing and parking at Basingstoke council, said Middleton had undergone checks - including a Criminal Record Bureau check and a DVLA licence check - before he was granted his private hire licence.
However, after the conviction, prosecutor James Leonard told Judge Michael Brodrick that Middleton had past convictions for ABH, dishonesty and motor vehicle offences.
If that is the case, what is the council's criteria for granting private hire licences, or did something go wrong with the Criminal Record Bureau check?
This situation resulted in an attack on an innocent teenager by a person in a trusted position.
Perhaps the council would care to explain the situation.
-Andrew Ball, Church Square, Basingstoke.
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