HALIFAX – A Halifax taxi driver found guilty of sexual assault who had his license revoked can apply for it again next year.
Ahror Mamadiev, 43, was given a conditional discharge during his sentencing in September for sexual assault against a passenger.
The assault happened while he was dropping her off at home in August 2014. Court documents reveal he groped the victim when the two embraced for a hug.
The city permanently revoked his taxi license following the court ruling.
Mamadiev was also handed one-year probation, community service and was placed on the sex offender registry for ten years as a result.
At the city’s appeals standing committee on Thursday, the committee voted to uphold the revocation of his license for one year, allowing Mamadiev to apply for one again on Sept. 3, 2016 — one year after the license was originally revoked.
Mamadiev’s lawyer Ian Joyce called the decision a “partial win”.
“The appeal was allowed in part. Obviously there are three available options. The first option was that the appeal was allowed in its entirety. The second option that it is not allowed,” said Joyce.
“Neither of those were the outcome here. The third option was that it was allowed in part, which is the case here so it’s a partial win.”
During the proceedings, Joyce argued that the conditional discharge meant Mamadiev wasn’t technically convicted.
He also insisted his client has learned from his mistake and presented evidence from doctors that he is at a low risk to re-offend.
Also in attendance was the activist group Anonymous, who called the decision unfair.
“Well then we will be back here because the law has to change. He shouldn’t be able to keep re-applying,” said Anonymous member Trish MacIntyre.
Joyce told reporters Mamadiev has yet to decide if he will re-apply for his taxi license next year.
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