A charity has slammed a former Uber driver who was convicted of refusing to pick up a blind passenger due to his guide dog.
Mohamed Alli Abdulrahim was prosecuted by Newcastle City Council under anti-discrimination laws.
He was accused of refusing to collect Dr Mark Banhan as he feared his guide dog, Zante, would make "a mess".
The 26-year-old, who maintains his innocence, was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Dr Banhan following the trial.
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Now Linda Oliver, engagement officer for Guide Dogs North East, has welcomed the ruling.
"It is always very distressing to hear that one of our guide dog owners has been refused access to a taxi because of their guide dog," she said.
"People who are blind and partially sighted and rely on taxis, can be left feeling excluded and embarrassed and are being prevented from doing everyday things, such as getting to work, attending appointments and visiting friends and family.
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“This discrimination is not only illegal, but it’s also a huge blow to people’s confidence and feelings of acceptance in society.
"Taxi and minicab drivers need to understand and abide by the law and welcome guide dogs and other assistance dogs into their vehicles.”
The incident unfolded outside The Ship Inn, in Ouseburn, after Dr Banhan and colleagues had been out for a meal.
Abdulrahim told Newcastle Magistrates' Court he refused the fare has he feared one of the group, another doctor, was so drunk he would "vomit".
The court heard evidence from three witnesses - all doctors - who denied this.
Dr Banham, who has needed a guide dog since 2014, claimed he'd never experienced discrimination like it.
”I’ve never been outright refused - in Newcastle it has always been very good," he told the court.
”It is often a positive experience.”
Abdulrahim, of Fenning Place, Newcastle, guilty of failing to accept a booking for vehicle by disabled person accompanied by assistance dog.
The offence, under the 2010 Equality Act, also resulted in him being ordered to pay £100 costs to Newcastle City Council while he was handed an absolute discharge.
The court heard Abdulrahim quit his job as an Uber driver.
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