THE revelations out of the case of minicab driver Nizabit Hussain pose some serious questions about Oxford City Council’s licensing scheme.

Hussain hit a cyclist in the High in February having taken crack cocaine and heroin and was yesterday jailed for 10 months. It happened while he was not on duty as a minicab driver, but it emerged that he has been a heroin user for many years.

Judge Patrick Eccles said Hussain would take heroin following a nightshift, spending £20 every other night.

The question Oxford City Council must ask itself today is how a long-time drug user has been able to continue to be given a licence by it.

Of course, he was unlikely to volunteer the fact to officials and may have been skilled in concealing his habit. But the licensing scheme is all about public safety. When people get into a cab and see the Oxford City Council seal on the licence it should reassure them that the driver ferrying them will not compromise their safety.

Hussain may say he did not take heroin while on duty but can anyone seriously say they would have not had concerns if they knew he was their cabbie?

The licensing department must thoroughly examine this case and ensure that any repetition is avoided, otherwise the entire licensing scheme is effectively useless.