Uber driver fined for refusing to pick up blind passenger because his guide dog was against his religion

AN UBER driver has been fined after he refused to pick up a blind passenger who had a guide dog with him - because it was against his RELIGION.

Charles Bloch told driver Ahmed Kayd, 42, that he had pet Labrador Carlo with him through a message on the smartphone app.

But when Kayd arrived he asked if the dog would 'lick him' before refusing to give Mr Bloch and his partner a lift home to Spinney Hill Park, Leicester.

Astonishingly, Kayd claimed he did not like dogs and taking animals was against his religion, despite Mr Bloch explaining it was illegal to refuse.

Mr Bloch left feedback on the Uber app, explaining Kayd's actions, and Kayd called back to apologise - but the disgruntled dog owner had already made other arrangements.

Kayd, of Beaumont Leys, Leicester, admitted refusing to convey a guide dog under the Equality Act 2010 at Leicester Magistrates Court.

He was handed a £140 fine, ordered to pay £327 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30 on Wednesday.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, said: "Taxi drivers are legally required to accept bookings from passengers with assistance dogs, unless the driver has been granted an exemption certificate by the local authority.

"In this case, the driver didn't have any legitimate reason not to accept Mr Bloch and Carlo.

"We are pleased with the successful prosecution and hope that it sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any discrimination."

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