Last updated 10:46, Friday, 09 May 2008

A Whitehaven grandad will never drive a taxi again after putting a female passenger’s hand on his leg.

, 66, from Westmorland Road, Hensingham, leaving Crown Court

Richard Webster, 66, of Westmorland Road, Hensingham, touched the 18-year-old on the leg and placed her hand on his, Carlisle Crown Court.

The licensing authority withdrew his licence after the incident on October 29 last year.

Prosecutor Brendan Burke said: “In the absence of a successful appeal it isn’t ever going to be reissued.”

Hilary Manley, defending, said Webster had never troubled the police or courts before. She said: “Even if he had his licence, he has no intention of driving a taxi again anyway and is in ill health, so there is no possibility of a repeat performance.”

Judge Barbara Forrester said: “The girl was upset by what happened. It is perhaps not the most serious assault, but she was entitled to feel protected as any passenger and not at risk.”

Webster pleaded guilty to sexual touching and was put on an electronically monitored curfew for two months between 8pm and 7am. He must also pay £500 contribution towards court costs.