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The city discovered that Karimi had a suspended driver’s licence and hadn’t renewed his taxi licence. The exact reason why Karimi’s driver’s licence was suspended wasn’t specified, but court records show that Karimi has $1,414.67 in unpaid fines.

“The driver had not renewed his annual taxicab driver’s licence at the end of April 2015, and as a result, was not eligible to drive a taxicab, including on the date in question. Given the unlicensed status, there was no possibility to impose discipline on a licence that was no longer in effect,” said Philip Powell, program manager for licensing, permits and markets in a statement.

Powell said the city’s bylaw and regulatory services branch is continuing its investigation into the unlicensed conduct, which is a violation of the law and may be subject to prosecution before the courts. Patni said the driver was immediately terminated after the incident.

Patni said Karimi’s case has prompted immediate changes to how Coventry Connections will monitor drivers. The company now plans to ask the city to inform them when driver’s taxi licences expire or aren’t renewed. They also plan to conduct more frequent spot checks.

“We are very sorry about this. This is our responsibility and we’ve obviously failed in it, but we’re tightening that regime now as a result of what has happened in this case,” said Patni. “Our way of checking their documentation was not good enough.”

Patni said the driver had been in touch with the company since he was fired but before it was known his licences were suspended or expired. Incredibly, he asked if there was any way he could continue driving with them, according to Patni.

That won’t be happening, Patni said.

“This gentleman went well, well, well beyond breaking every rule we had,” said Patni.

Warning: this YouTube video contains extremely offensive language.