Mother of Murdered Woman Warns ‘Passengers Still at Risk’

The family of a woman who was murdered has called for individuals with prior violent convictions to be barred from driving taxis. Sian O’Callaghan was killed by Christopher Halliwell on 19 March 2011, after she entered his taxi to leave a nightclub in Swindon. Her mother, Elaine Pickford, has urged immediate action following new research that indicates an estimated 90 taxi licences have been issued to violent offenders since August 2022. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport stated that they are “currently considering further options to improve safety around taxi licensing”. Ms Pickford is collaborating with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a charity established to reduce abuse, aggression, and violence, with a particular focus on stalking and harassment, following the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, who was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in 1986. Through a Freedom of Information request to the government, the trust uncovered that an estimated 90 licences were granted to drivers with convictions for violent offences since August 2022. Ms Pickford and the Trust assert that passengers continue to be at risk until legal changes are enacted. Ms Pickford described Sian, saying: “Sian was a very bright person, very bubbly, outgoing, had lots of friends.” She added: “She enjoyed life to the full. It’s a cliché to say, but she was one of those people who everyone just really loved.” Ms Pickford concluded: “It’s still as surreal now as it was when it happened.” Liam O’Callaghan, Sian’s brother, stated that working with the charity to change the legislation has provided him with purpose. He remarked: “What we tried as a family, following on from this tragedy, is to see something positive.” He continued: “That’s what kept us sane as a family and moving in the right direction.” He further mentioned that the family’s campaign efforts have focused on enhancing passenger safety. Ms Pickford is scheduled to go to Westminster on Tuesday to speak at an event with the Trust, aiming to raise awareness about this issue. Emma Lingley-Clark, interim CEO of the trust, believes that “passengers are being put at risk due to inconsistent implementation of government guidance on safe licensing”. She indicated that the government should “introduce national standards in law” to prevent drivers with violent histories from being permitted to work. Saskia Garner, head of policy and campaigns at the trust, commented: “While these driver numbers might seem low, we strongly believe that one incident of harm or violence is one too many.” She continued: “Elaine contacted us following the tragic death of Sian.” Garner added: “We’ve been working with her for around eight years, calling on the government to tighten the licensing laws, and we’re disappointed more hasn’t been done in that time.” Halliwell, 57, received a life sentence in October 2012. He was subsequently given a whole-life sentence for the 2003 murder of Becky Godden from Swindon. A spokesperson for the Department of Transport further stated: “Keeping passengers safe is the top priority, and drivers in England are already subject to the highest-level background checks.” The spokesperson added: “Before deciding to issue a licence, authorities must consult a national database which logs if someone has had a licence refused, suspended, or revoked.” They concluded: “We are also currently considering further options to improve safety around taxi licensing.”