A PRIVATE hire car driver who allegedly assaulted a girl during a row over a fare has lost his licence.

The man, who will go on trial in August, was suspended by Glasgow City Council licensing chiefs after a recommendation from Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.

He has been charged with assault to injury, carrying an offensive weapon and wasting police time.

A police officer told the licensing committee the force believes the man is “no longer a fit and proper person” to hold a licence as he would pose a “serious threat to public order or public safety”.

She said the incident allegedly happened in March when the driver picked up two young females, who he believed had no intention of paying for the journey.

It is claimed he grabbed one of the girl’s arms, repeatedly stating he wouldn’t let go until he was paid.

He is also accused of ­brandishing a metal tyre wrench at the girls, the officer said.

The man was suspended for six weeks immediately after the allegation was made.

Councillors have now agreed to increase the suspension for the unexpired portion of the duration of his licence.

The meeting was briefly adjourned while the licensing committee watched footage, filmed on one of the girl’s mobile phones, from the journey.

No councillors on the committee commented on the case as it is sub judice.

The driver is expected to appear in court in July, with his trial scheduled to begin in August.

A licensing authority can suspend a licence if the holder is “no longer a fit and proper person” or is “likely to cause undue public nuisance or a threat to public order or public safety”.