A man who has been charged with posting offensive material online has had his taxi licence revoked.

Cumberland Council said it had taken ‘decisive action to protect public safety’ by revoking the licence after he was charged earlier this week with a serious racially aggravated offence.

Taxi driver Gerard Glaister, of Workington, was arrested by Cumbria police on August 8 and has been charged in connection with posting racially motivated offensive content online.

The charge relates to sending a communication of an indecent or grossly offensive nature, which is racially aggravated due to the content of the posts. He is scheduled to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on August 13.

Cumberland Council said when it received the information from the police, it conducted an immediate and thorough review of the driver’s hackney carriage licence.

It said given the severity of the charges, and under the delegated powers provided to the council, the decision was made to revoke the driver’s licence with immediate effect in the interest of public safety.

A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “This action sends a clear and strong message that we will not tolerate any behaviour that threatens the safety, dignity, or trust of our community. The nature of these charges is deeply concerning, and we have acted swiftly to remove this individual from a position of public responsibility. Those involved in criminal activities will be held accountable.”

The council’s licensing department said it reassured the public that the safety and well-being of residents were paramount, and it would continue to enforce stringent standards to ensure that all licensed taxi drivers in Cumberland meet the highest levels of conduct.

They added: “Public safety is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to take immediate action when it is at risk. We stand firm against any form of discrimination and will continue to work closely with the police to uphold these standards.”

Source: Cumbria Crack