A court has upheld a council decision to refuse two men taxi driver licences because of their criminal convictions.

Sakhi Daler, 58, of Highfield Road, held a licence from Luton Borough Council for 26 years, but has been refused a renewal for the last two years because of his convictions for driving offences, assisting illegal entry into the UK and using insurance documents with intent to deceive.

He appealed to Luton Magistrates Court over the refusal earlier this month, but the court upheld the council's decision.

Imran Khan, 27, of Stratford Road, Luton, also had an appeal dismissed by the court, and was ordered to pay £220 in costs to the council.

He had become a licensed taxi driver in 2004 but his licence was suspended after he was found guilty of perverting the course of justice in March
last year, and sentenced to 14 days imprisonment. He was also banned from driving for six months.

The council then decided to revoke his licence.

Commenting on the court's decisions, Councillor Don Worlding, who heads up licensing at the council, said: "Passengers must be confident all licensed drivers will act in an honest manner."