FORMER police officer and convicted drink-driver Mick Hughes has been given a taxi licence in a landmark court ruling.

Mr Hughes, 48, successfully appealed against a decision to reject his application by licensing chiefs at City of York Council.

Deputy District Judge Martin Sheen, presiding at York Magistrates Court, told the Acomb resident he was satisfied he had learned his lesson. But he warned him: "Don't let me down."

Mr Hughes, of Milner Street, now plans to start driving for Castle Cars within days, once some formal details have been completed.

He said today: "I was pleased with the judge's decision. I had appealed immediately because I had nothing to hide.

"If anything has happened in my life and it is my fault I will hold my hand up. The council had their guidelines, but it seemed there was no flexibility. I feel elated. It was very sympathetic and understanding of the judge.

"I enjoy driving and meeting people and I just want to be a taxi driver.

"The judge told me I was a trailblazer. He told me not to let him down."

The saga began when City of York Council rejected Mr Hughes's application for a licence in line with its usual policy on drink-drivers.

He had been dealt with by the courts in February, 2003, and told the district judge he had had two or three pints before he drove illegally in the Leeman Road area of York.

Council guidelines forbid people to hold a taxi licence for a certain time after a drink-drive conviction. In Mr Hughes's case, the time was five years until February 2008.

But Mr Sheen said he had the benefit of extra information, including Mr Hughes's previous employment as a police officer and that he had held a licence before.

He said the council did decide each case on its merits and not necessarily according to the guidelines. "I am satisfied Mr Hughes has learned his lesson," he said.

Mr Hughes told the court he had been on a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course and that he had been having a "difficult time" when the offence occurred.

Mr Hughes served as a constable with West Yorkshire Police until he left the force in 1982. He has worked on and off in the building trade since.

Dick Haslam, head of licensing at City of York Council, said the council did have guidelines, but applicants had the right to appeal to a court.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, March 07, 2005