A taxi driver has lost his appeal to re-instate his licence after it was revoked when he tested positive for driving under the influence of cannabis.

The Ashford cabbie was stopped by police after they received reports he was allegedly dealing Class A drugs.

Upon arrest, Shamin Ali tested positive for cannabis, which was also found in the vehicle.

Following the police incident, Mr Ali was called in for questioning by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to review his taxi licence and it was ruled he was not "a fit and proper person to hold licence".

ABC determined that Mr Ali was under the influence of a controlled substance, had lied to police at the scene and he had "demonstrated behaviour and actions that posed a risk to public safety and his position of trust".

The incident took place on April 7 last year.

His license was revoked with immediate effect by ABC despite Mr Ali not being charged by police with any offences.

Just under a year later, Mr Ali took the council to court to appeal against the decision.

A hearing at Margate Magistrates' Court on March 30 heard the court was satisfied the council was not wrong in its decision after hearing evidence.

The court ordered Mr Ali to pay a contribution of £600 toward the costs incurred by the council in defending the action taken.

Sheila Davison, ABC’s assistant director for safety and wellbeing, said: "The role of the council is to ensure public safety and confidence in our taxi drivers.

"If we believe a licensed driver is failing in this regard we will not hesitate to take action such as issuing a warning, penalty points, suspension or, if necessary, revoke their licence.

"We are pleased that the court saw fit to agree with our decision and that members of the public continue to be assured of their safety when using taxi drivers holding a licence issued by the council."