A TAXI driver who had his operator's licence revoked by district councillors following his conviction for assaulting a policeman has won his appeal against a licensing committee decision.

Derwentside magistrates yesterday ruled Gary Maughan, 39, should have his licence restored and awarded costs of £822 against Derwentside District Council.

Michael Dunstan, for the authority, said Maughan had been convicted eight times of speeding offences in ten years.

He was disqualified from driving in July last year under the totting up system and had applied to the council's licensing committee for a renewed taxi licence last February.

He was granted the licence by councillors who warned him over his future conduct - but two days later was convicted of assaulting a police officer.

Mr Dunstan said the committee, acting under guidelines, had subsequently ruled that Maughan was unfit to hold the licence and revoked it.

Maughan, who had been ordered to pay compensation and given absolute discharge after admitting the assault charge, told the court yesterday the assault had happened unintentionally while he was helping to break up a fight.

He said: "I am not the only taxi driver who has been convicted of speeding offences."

Richard Scott, appearing for Maughan, of Bridgehill, Consett, said he had no other way of making a living and had a family to support."

Mr Scott said the guidelines allowed for discretion to be used where it was an isolated incident or there were mitigating circumstances.