Multiple reports say a backlash follows a council decision to allow a convicted rapist to retain his taxi operator’s licence. The Independent reports that David Brown was jailed for more than six years after raping an 18-year-old woman in his taxi. Despite the conviction and prison sentence, the council permits him to keep his taxi operator’s licence, prompting public criticism and renewed scrutiny of the licensing decision. Yahoo! UK News echoes the controversy, describing the backlash but does not add additional details in the provided excerpt. The accounts agree on the central issue: a convicted sex offender who served a substantial prison term is still permitted to hold the relevant taxi licensing status. The reports focus on public reaction to the decision and on the fact that it is being viewed as inconsistent with the severity of the offence. Details on the council’s reasoning, any appeals, and the specific licensing process are not included in the information provided.