Uber driver banned and charged with soliciting after social media video

An Uber driver from Shaw has been charged with soliciting after a video circulated online where he was caught with his trousers down in the back of his vehicle with a woman.

Mohammed Jamal, 37, has been bailed ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Thursday 4 May 2023.

The charge relates to an alleged incident involving an adult female in a taxi with a Rochdale private hire badge and an Uber label on Thames Street, Rochdale in the early hours of Sunday 9 April.

The driver was confronted by a resident who saw him outside his house and filmed the incident.

In the short video clip - seen by Rochdale Online - the driver appears to fasten his trousers before climbing out from the backseat as a woman kneels on the backseat with her head in her hands.

Filming the Uber driver’s face, the man videoing says: “Brother, what are you doing? Month of Ramadan and you’re doing stuff like this? What the f*** are you doing? This is disgusting mate; I’ve got kids inside here. You dirty b******.”

The driver responds “I’m sorry. Bro, I said I’m sorry,” as he returns to the wheel before driving off.

The camera pans down to show an Uber sticker on the driver’s door, before showing the registration plate and council’s private hire plate.

Uber has confirmed the driver has been banned.

The video has been shared widely on various social media platforms, with police requesting previously circulated videos be removed so not to impede a fair trial. 

Under the Human Rights Act, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. 

Contempt of court happens when someone risks unfairly influencing a court case. It may stop somebody from getting a fair trial and can affect a trial’s outcome.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We understand the interest this case will have generated but it is absolutely imperative that the suspect has a fair trial so members of the public must refrain from engaging in conversations online, at least until proceedings have concluded. Previously circulated videos should be removed."

Sir Tony Lloyd, Rochdale MP, said: “This must be taken very seriously. I've asked Greater Manchester Police to investigate this. I expect a very rapid investigation by the police as well as by Uber. This is a really worrying video and a rapid investigation is necessary.

“The protection of young people is paramount and this video needs to be investigated to give the public reassurance and to protect vulnerable young people.”

An Uber spokesperson said: “We are horrified by what is depicted in the video and are taking action. We have banned the driver while we investigate and are working directly with the police.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “This is a live police investigation, and we are liaising with GMP with a view to acting on any information they confirm and share with the council.”