What's happened
David Brown has been jailed for six years and nine months for raping an 18-year-old passenger. Highland Council’s licensing committee sparked anger by allowing Brown’s operator’s licence to continue, prompting resignations, suspensions and calls for a full council review. The political fallout continues as the council faces scrutiny over safety and governance.
What's behind the headline?
Insight
- The scottish Highlands case highlights how governance decisions on licensing can undermine public safety narratives.
- Opponents say keeping the operator’s licence sends a harmful message about prioritising employment over survivor safety.
- Proponents argue the licence was legally structured to continue for six months, allowing the wife to maintain income.
What this signals
- A potential policy review on taxi licensing and licensing committee transparency.
- Increased scrutiny of how councils balance public safety with livelihoods.
What to watch
- Whether the full council revokes or revises the operator’s licence.
- Potential reforms in council procedures and pressuring parties to stand by victims.
How we got here
The case centers on David Brown, a taxi driver from near Inverness, who attacked a young woman in December 2023 after taking a night-time ride. He was jailed in May 2026. In 2024 the licensing committee allowed his operator’s licence to continue despite objections from Police Scotland, prompting resignations and suspensions within the council and political groups.
Our analysis
BBC Scotland News, The Independent, The Scotsman report on council resignations and the licensing decision. RASASH and Rape Crisis Scotland have condemned the decision as harmful to women’s safety.
Go deeper
- Will the full Highland Council review lead to revoke or tighten the operator’s licence?
- What protections exist for survivors if licensing decisions are made under private committees?
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