Colin Frazer Owen of CK Cabs, Llanberis , lodged an appeal against the council’s decision in March this year to revoke his hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licence.

Magistrates sitting at Caernarfon heard the licence was revoked following two incidents of violent behaviour - an assault against another taxi driver at Caergylchu Recycling Centre, Caernarfon on May 3 last year and another incident involving a customer in Llanrug on February 9 this year.

Lawyers for the council said the licence was revoked by the authority with immediate effect in order to protect public safety.

Now, following a two-day hearing, magistrates have ruled that Gwynedd Council ’s decision to revoke his licence wasn’t wrong.

As a result Mr Owen lost his appeal and was ordered to pay £5,972 in legal costs.

After the hearing Mr Owen said he disagreed with the evidence presented to the court.

He said the incident at the recycling centre followed a period of alleged harassment.

A police caution was issued after this incident to Mr Owen.

Mr Owen pointed out he had successfully appealed the council's decision and had his licence returned to him last October.

The incident in February involved an intoxicated passenger who he says assaulted him and the police were called.

"I gave the police a statement and that is as far as it went. I understood the passenger did not want to continue with a complaint.

"I was in the surgery with my son when an e-mail arrived to say my licence had been revoked.

"I was not given an opportunity to explain what had happened and I do not have a conviction as a result of this incident. I really had no option but to appeal to the court," he said.

Mr Owen added he was disappointed at the court's decision.

Cllr Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision which sends a very clear message that incidents of threatening behaviour from taxi drivers who operate in the county will not be tolerated.

“At the hearing, the magistrates found that this individual was not suitable to be a taxi driver.

"Whilst the vast majority of the industry operate with respect, this unfortunate incident shows that Gwynedd Council will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour from drivers and that if necessary, we will defend our decisions in court.”

Freddie Humphreys from Kings Chambers represented the council in this case.