A private hire driver who punched his wife has been warned by licensing chiefs but can continue working.

Muhammad Naseem’s licence has been renewed for a restricted period of one year, despite an objection from Police Scotland.

Councillors on the city’s licensing committee heard how the driver had assaulted his partner in October 2021 by “pushing her and punching her to the stomach and thigh”.

He also “did resist, obstruct or hinder” police officers in “the execution of duty” by pushing them away, the committee was told.

An officer said Mr Naseem was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work, and Police Scotland believe he was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a licence.

The driver, who said he was back with his wife, told councillors he had “many regrets”. “I’ve learned my lesson, I have apologised to my wife,” he added.

Cllr Alex Wilson, SNP, the licensing committee chairman, said: “I can’t ever forgive anyone for hitting a female. I think it’s abhorrent, under any circumstances why would you possibly hit a female?

“What makes it even worse is that’s the female you are supposed to love, protect, look after. You lifted your hands to that female, that’s disgusting. There’s no excuse.”

Bailie Thomas Kerr, seconded by Cllr Wilson, suggested the application should be refused. Bailie Hanif Raja, seconded by Cllr Sean Ferguson, moved the application should be granted for a restricted one-year period and a warning issued.

Granting the application passed by five votes to two.

Mr Naseem said: “When I look back, I see the mistakes I have made regarding Police Scotland as well. I should have dealt with it a bit better. I panicked, maybe scared at the same time.

“I have been driving for a long time and I take my work very seriously. I have no issues with the public, I’m not a threat to my wife and I genuinely am very, very sorry for my mistake.”