A MAN charged for kidnapping more than a decade ago has been refused a taxi driver's licence.

He was arrested and charged for kidnapping and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm in 2007 but failed to declare this on his application form.

The applicant denied the version of events presented to the council but was aware that the victim had been hurt and put in a van.

He claimed that the only role he played was to try to calm the victim.

However, the licensing committee did not find this to be credible and found inconsistencies in the man's evidence.

The kidnapping victim provided a statement which was subsequently withdrawn, although he said that the content of his statement was true.

Police told the council that the applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver's licence.

The committee were also concerned that the applicant had been involved in a violent and very serious event.

The application was considered at a licensing and environmental regulation committee meeting on December 11 which was chaired by Cllr Madeline Murray and lasted almost five hours.

It was raised at the meeting by the Director of Place because the applicant had a previous misconduct matter.

The man in question attended the meeting and provided verbal evidence.

The committee also heard evidence from a licensing officer.

Councillors Nick Peel and Martin Donaghy suggested refusing the licence and the other 11 councillors agreed.

The committee noted: "Members of the public, the elderly, infirm and children or vulnerable adults entrust their personal safety and wellbeing to private hire drivers whenever they take a journey. Passengers often travel alone and are vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour.

"The committee’s primary duty is of concern for the safety and wellbeing of the public.

"There is therefore reasonable cause to refuse to grant the private hire drivers licence."