A Keighley private hire driver completed 205 jobs without a valid licence or insurance and still received an absolute discharge.
Bradford Magistrates’ Court heard Khalid Bashir worked for Aireside Private Hire between 8 October and 8 November 2025 while Bradford Council processed his renewal, earning over £1,300. He said limited English and a misunderstanding about renewals led him to keep driving; the firm still supplied a vehicle. Magistrates accepted “special reasons” rather than deliberate defiance. His licence was later lost. In May, Aireside boss Imran Khan was fined for employing an unlicensed driver (£220 plus surcharge and £600 council costs), Yorkshire Post and Telegraph & Argus report.