A court has upheld the decision to revoke a taxi driver's licence after he regularly carried a drug dealer in his vehicle.

Bodrul Ali had his taxi licence revoked in 2021 after a passenger was arrested in his vehicle carrying 30 bags of cocaine.

The passenger was later convicted of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Brighton and Hove City Council revoked Mr Ali’s licence as he was “knowingly transporting” the drug dealer who had travelled with him on several occasions.

Councillor Zoe John, chairwoman of the council’s licensing committee, said: “The majority of drivers are brilliant and take their responsibilities very seriously, this case was an exception and it highlights that we will not hesitate to take action where a taxi driver falls short of our licensing standards.

“Safeguarding the public is our priority and we are proud of our high licensing standards in Brighton and Hove.

"This was a serious case and we are pleased the judge has upheld our decision and dismissed the appeal.”

Ali, a licensed cabbie for 19 years, appealed against the decision to have his licence revoked but a district judge ruled that he did not satisfy the fit and proper test.