Boss of Uber workers' union 'assaulted police with sound from megaphone'

The head of an Uber workers’ union was due in court today accused of assaulting two police officers with the sound from his megaphone.

James Farrar, chairman of the United Private Hire Drivers’ branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, is alleged to have caused the officers injury, pain and discomfort.

The assaults are alleged to have taken place at a demonstration in March 2019 against Transport for London and the mayor of London for their decision to remove minicab drivers’ exemption from the congestion charge.

Farrar appeared outside Southwark Crown Court today flanked by Uber drivers who are supporting him during the trial. The case did not start today and is now due to start tomorrow morning.

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More than £3,000 has been raised to cover Farrar’s legal costs, and a fundraiser seeking to generate another £27,000 has been set up online.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has also tweeted in support.

The United Private Hire Drivers’ branch works in the interest of private hire drivers nationally.