FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter fornow We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

In a shocking incident captured on mobile phone footage, the Leicester-based taxi driver outright refused to accept Charles Bloch, his girlfriend Jessica Graham and his guide dog Carlo. The couple, who are both registered blind after being born with visual impairments, were shocked when their booked ADT Taxis driver refused to give them a lift. Mr Bloch, a student at De Montfort University, said in the video: “By law you can’t deny us. It’s against the Disability Act of 1995.”

JESSICA GRAHAM The driver refused to allow a blind couple and their dog in his car

I do not take the dog. It’s a choice for me. For me, it’s about my religion Taxi driver

The driver refuses and said: “I do not take the dog. It’s a choice for me. For me, it’s about my religion.” The driver eventually rings his office to request another car, which Mr Bloch refuses by saying: “No, I want this car.” The driver ignores him, cancels the other car and drives off.

JESSICA GRAHAM The driver refused to take the dog due to his religion

As the driver leaves, a shocked and upset Mr Bloch said: “If you drive away I’ll sue you.” The taxi driver, who has not been identified, has since been told to find work elsewhere by the taxi company. Darren Green, ADT Taxis office manager, said: “We very much regret this. The driver, who is self-employed has only been with us for two months. We will not use him again after this. “I am visually impaired myself after suffering a detached retina. We have many customers who are visually impaired.”

JESSICA GRAHAM The guide dog watched the driver speed away after refusing to accept the booked lift

ADT Taxis has also issued a long apology on its Facebook page. They said: “We are deeply ashamed of the conduct of this Leicester City Council licensed driver and he clearly broke the law after not accepting a booking we gave to him on religious grounds and has been dispensed with as well as being reported to the council.

JESSICA GRAHAM The couple could not go out without the guide dog as they are both registered blind