A Hereford taxi driver has been suspended by Herefordshire Council following his conviction for a racially aggravated public order offence involving another taxi driver.

Hereford Magistrates heard the case following a complaint made to police by a fellow taxi driver on Clive Goodwin and they imposed a two-year community order with 200 hours compulsory unpaid work, compensation and a fine.

Herefordshire Council has a statutory duty to ensure that all hackney and private hire drivers are fit and proper persons to hold such a licence, and the decision was taken to suspend Mr Goodwin's licence following his conviction, to protect public safety.

A review of Mr Goodwin's suspension will take place at the next regulatory committee meeting where council members will vote to decide if Mr Goodwin meets the fit and proper test and is able to have the suspension lifted.

Claire Berrow, licensing officer for Herefordshire Council, said: "We take very seriously all relevant convictions and take a hard line on drivers convicted during the term of their licence.

"Taxi drivers are warned that it is a condition of their licence that they notify the Taxi Licensing Unit if they are involved in any incident which is likely to lead to caution or conviction. Such incidents include pending investigations where the police are involved," she added.