A TAXI driver involved in a pub brawl has had his licence revoked after being convicted of assault.

Darlington Borough Council's licensing committee heard that Paul Thomas Laing, 35, threw the first punch, which resulted in several people becoming involved in a fight in the Golden Cock pub, in Darlington.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on September 26, where he admitted assault causing actual bodily harm, and two counts of assault.

Mr Laing, of Brankin Drive, Darlington, was fined a total of £1,200, electronically tagged for four months and ordered to pay £350 costs by the court.

Sergeant Ian Martin, of Darlington police, told the licensing committee Mr Laing struck the first blow in the fight, before others got involved, including two women who tried to intervene.

Sgt Martin said police reports showed Mr Laing had kicked one of the women between the legs after throwing her against a wall. He punched both of them, one was left with glass in her eyes, because she wore spectacles.

He said he was concerned about Mr Laing's record, with a conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2000 and affray in 2001.

"I have concerns about any member of the public being transported by him," he said.

Mr Laing told the meeting he had not kicked either of the women, he only pushed one of them, adding that the judge who heard the case accepted the fight had been a free for all.

Members asked Mr Laing if he was prone to violence and had an anger management problem.

Mr Laing explained that each of the incidents were alcohol related and he had addressed the problem, explaining that since the fight in February he had not had a drink.

"I have driven a taxi for 15 years and never had any problems with people in the taxi, the only problem has been when I've been drinking," he said.

A reference was read at the meeting from Rosemary Burks, service co-ordinator at Dimensions, in Darlington, about Mr Laing's work, with disabled passengers and she described him as trustworthy and reliable.

Members agreed Mr Laing's licence should be revoked, but said he could appeal against the decision.