A MAN with previous convictions for speeding, driving with an expired licence, failing to notify DVLA of a change of address and driving while uninsured, has been granted a taxi/private hire car driver's licence.

Alan Ritchie, 51, of Empress Road, Rhu, appeared before a meeting of the West Dunbartonshire Council's licensing committee in Dumbarton in relation to the matter.

In a report that went before members, it was noted that an objection to Mr Ritchie's application had been received from Police Scotland, stating that he was not a "fit and proper person" to hold a taxi/private hire car driver's licence.

Mr Ritchie had a speeding conviction dating back to 2013, one from 2015 relating to driving with no insurance and driving with an expired licence and one from 2016 relating to speeding.

The report went in the background to the request, saying: "Mr Ritchie submitted an application for grant of a Taxi/Private Hire Car Driver’s Licence to the Council on 10 July 2017.

"A letter was received from the Chief Constable of the Police authority on July 25 submitting an objection in relation to the application.

"At the meeting on August 16 2017, it was noted that the applicant had intimated in advance of the meeting that he would be unable to attend and had requested that the application be continued until the next meeting of the Committee.

"It was agreed that consideration of the application be continued to the next meeting in order that the applicant may be given a further opportunity to appear before the Committee."

When Mr Ritchie appeared, he was accompanied by his solicitor Kenny Clark, who addressed committee members on his client's behalf.

Mr Clark told the committee that Mr Ritchie had been driving since the age of 18 and that some of the offences were carried out while he was under pressure to keep his business afloat.

He stated: "He accepts he neglected to apply for a new licence partly down to business pressure and health problems. He was giving priority to keep his business afloat.

"But there's nothing else outstanding and my respectful submission would be that it would be harsh to deem him not a fit person (to hold a licence)."

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill proposed that the application be granted, a motion which was seconded by chairman, Councillor Jim Brown.