Uber Driver Jailed for Assault Stripped of Licence
An Uber driver who sexually assaulted a 19-year-old girl has been stripped of his private hire licence. Dawit Tessema, 46, attacked the teenager after picking her up in Glasgow’s city centre. The shocking incident took place in the Woodlands area on September 15, 2023.
Speedy Crackdown After Jail Sentence
Tessema was sentenced to two years in jail last week and placed on the sex offenders register. scotland/" title="Police Scotland" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Police Scotland quickly raised concerns over his right to keep driving for hire. On November 4, they lodged a formal complaint with Glasgow’s licensing team.
His licence was suspended immediately the following day. Officials warned that allowing him to keep driving would be a “serious threat to public safety.”
Licence Granted Just Weeks Before Attack
Shockingly, Tessema had only been a licensed private hire driver since July 26, 2023—less than two months before the attack. After his conviction, Glasgow’s licensing and regulatory committee moved swiftly to revoke his licence entirely, following Police Scotland’s statement.
Serious Questions Over Driver Vetting Processes
This disturbing case raises urgent questions about the vetting and safety checks for private hire drivers. How did a convicted sex offender get behind the wheel so soon after being licensed? Authorities are now under pressure to tighten safeguards and protect passengers.
