A TAXI driver has lost his licence after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.

Allegations that he kissed the passenger and asked, “would you like me to take you to bed”, were made to the police in July 2017.

The victim reported the incident to the police the day after it took place but decided not to pursue the matter.

The allegations resurfaced when the cabbie applied to renew his licence to drive a private hire vehicle.

He failed to attend hearings on July 16 and August 20.

The applicant had been informed after the first meeting that his application may be determined in his absence if he failed to attend the re-arranged meeting.

Councillors on the licensing sub-committee refused to renew his private hire licence at a town hall hearing last month.

They were not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, according to minutes from the meeting released this week.

They said: "Following consideration of all the evidence the sub-committee noted a serious allegation of sexual assault against the applicant. Drivers are placed in a position of trust and have a duty to conduct themselves in a lawful and professional manner at all times."