Uber drivers 'convicted of manslaughter, child exploitation and DUI'

Four Uber drivers in LA have reportedly been found to have serious criminal convictions that would ban them from driving regular City of Los Angeles taxis, including one for child exploitation and another for manslaughter.

The LA Times reports that it obtained and verified court records after drivers were ticketed at LAX airport. The two other convictions were driving under the influence and identity theft.

Reportedly, there were a further four drivers with convictions, however they would probably be allowed to operate regular taxis as the incidents occurred over seven years ago.

An Uber spokesperson referred the LA Times to a blog post, written last month by their Chief Security Officer, Joe Sullivan that said: “All driver-partners wanting to use the Uber platform are required to undergo an extensive background check… every system of background checks that is available today has its flaws. But we believe that the procedures used by Uber and other TNC’s stack up well against the alternatives in terms of safety.”

The revelations come as Los Angeles City Council decides whether to permit Uber to pick up passengers from LAX. As it stands, the LA taxi industry has successfully fought to keep their competitors at bay, arguing that it would create unfair competition.