Menu
17/02/2010
No Black Hack For Jose
A Spanish man who is fighting extradition proceedings on allegations of glorifying terrorism has been refused a licence to work as a taxi driver in Northern Ireland.
Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, a Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders in Spain has lost his legal battle for a chance to drive a west Belfast hackney after a judge said there appeared to be a "blatant attempt to mislead" over his record in his cab application.
His lawyers told Belfast Magistrates Court he had left his violent past behind and wanted a fresh start and his barrister told the court Mr de Juana Chaos, 54, should be treated as an exception to the rule where ex-prisoners can only apply for taxi licences three years after completing their sentence.
"The offending behaviour purely related to the political theatre," he said. "The people subjected to the violence were members of the police force in Spain."
His lawyer said he has now removed himself from the political conflict and wants to drive specified routes for the West Belfast Taxi Association, where his wife works.
However, District Judge Ken Nixon said Mr de Juana Chaos' own legal representatives had accepted he faced "a potentially insurmountable hurdle".
Mr Nixon pointed out the applicant was only released from prison on 1 August, 2008 "in the context of very serious offences... no matter what the theatre may be".
See: ETA Member To Fight Extradition
(BMcC/GK)
Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, a Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders in Spain has lost his legal battle for a chance to drive a west Belfast hackney after a judge said there appeared to be a "blatant attempt to mislead" over his record in his cab application.
His lawyers told Belfast Magistrates Court he had left his violent past behind and wanted a fresh start and his barrister told the court Mr de Juana Chaos, 54, should be treated as an exception to the rule where ex-prisoners can only apply for taxi licences three years after completing their sentence.
"The offending behaviour purely related to the political theatre," he said. "The people subjected to the violence were members of the police force in Spain."
His lawyer said he has now removed himself from the political conflict and wants to drive specified routes for the West Belfast Taxi Association, where his wife works.
However, District Judge Ken Nixon said Mr de Juana Chaos' own legal representatives had accepted he faced "a potentially insurmountable hurdle".
Mr Nixon pointed out the applicant was only released from prison on 1 August, 2008 "in the context of very serious offences... no matter what the theatre may be".
See: ETA Member To Fight Extradition
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 August 2006
New laws to improve NI taxis
The Environment Minister David Cairns has today announced a consultation on new laws to regulate taxis in Northern Ireland.
New laws to improve NI taxis
The Environment Minister David Cairns has today announced a consultation on new laws to regulate taxis in Northern Ireland.
24 November 2020
Black Taxis Should Be Supported Like Translink - SF
Belfast Black Taxis should benefit from the same financial support being offered to Translink, Sinn Féin have said The party has called for an urgent meeting between the Belfast Black Taxi Association and Minister for Infrastructure Nicola Mallon on support for the public transport service.
Black Taxis Should Be Supported Like Translink - SF
Belfast Black Taxis should benefit from the same financial support being offered to Translink, Sinn Féin have said The party has called for an urgent meeting between the Belfast Black Taxi Association and Minister for Infrastructure Nicola Mallon on support for the public transport service.
18 April 2005
Christian taxi firm forced to close
Ulster Unionist West Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey has said he is “absolutely appalled” at the forced closure of the Christian taxi firm, Liberty. The Shankill Road firm, which was run by Pastor Jack McKee, was forced to close over the weekend following attacks on both the business and Pastor McKee’s home last week.
Christian taxi firm forced to close
Ulster Unionist West Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey has said he is “absolutely appalled” at the forced closure of the Christian taxi firm, Liberty. The Shankill Road firm, which was run by Pastor Jack McKee, was forced to close over the weekend following attacks on both the business and Pastor McKee’s home last week.
27 February 2003
Arson attack on Belfast taxi firm
Police are investigating a possible arson attack at the depot of a Belfast taxi firm. The fire, which was discovered last night, seriously damaged a portable building belonging to Value Cabs at the firm's Glengall Street office. It is understood that investigators are examining video footage from a hidden security camera at the scene.
Arson attack on Belfast taxi firm
Police are investigating a possible arson attack at the depot of a Belfast taxi firm. The fire, which was discovered last night, seriously damaged a portable building belonging to Value Cabs at the firm's Glengall Street office. It is understood that investigators are examining video footage from a hidden security camera at the scene.
30 April 2010
Basque Flees NI As Extradition Looms
A Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders is believed to have left Northern Ireland. Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, 54, is wanted in Spain to face a charge of glorifying terrorism. De Juana Chaos, who had been living in west Belfast, was out on bail ahead of an appeal against his extradition.
Basque Flees NI As Extradition Looms
A Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders is believed to have left Northern Ireland. Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, 54, is wanted in Spain to face a charge of glorifying terrorism. De Juana Chaos, who had been living in west Belfast, was out on bail ahead of an appeal against his extradition.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
