A TAXI driver acquitted of sexual assault says he 'cannot wait to start work again' after getting his licence back.

Chiyayi Hajibadri was found not guilty of sexual assault on a female at Chester Crown Court in November.

Since June 2016, cabbies across the town have been required to have cameras fitted in their vehicles to improve the safety of passengers and drivers.

Vehicle CCTV footage is kept for 14 days before being automatically overwritten.

The alleged sexual assault incident took place in 2017 but police, based in another local authority, failed to analyse the CCTV footage as they were unaware taxis in Warrington were fitted with cameras.

Mr Hajibadri, who had his licence revoked by Warrington Borough Council in March last year, had criticised the authority for not reinstating it following the acquittal.

However, on Monday, the council's licensing sub-committee approved his application for a licence following a hearing at the Town Hall.

Mr Hajibadri said he was 'absolutely elated' with the decision and thanked staff in the licensing department for their assistance during the application process.

"I feel I have got my life back and cannot wait to start work again," he added.

"I would also like to say a big thank you to the congregation at Warrington Islamic Centre, who have given me both emotional and financial support during my ordeal.

"Lastly, I would like to convey my sincere and deep appreciation to our hackney carriage and private hire drivers spokesman Afthkar Quayyum, who has been by my side throughout this most difficult and challenging time of my life."

Mr Quayyum welcomed the outcome of the hearing.

But he hopes 'lessons have been learned and appropriate measures have been put in place' so taxi drivers 'do not face such a situation in the future'.

The council says it is mindful of justice and the right of individuals to earn a living, while acknowledging the 'important contribution' of the taxi trade across the borough.

A spokesman added: "Any decision to revoke a licence is made having regard to the evidence available at the time.

"Any person can apply for a licence but it is not possible to simply reinstate a licence that has been formally revoked.

"We are governed by a statutory process and must act in a fair and consistent way to all applicants, in accordance with our policy.

"The licensing sub-committee considered this new application on its merits, using information presented by the applicant and the decision was made by members to grant the licence.

"As the licensing authority, we have a duty to protect the public, to detect crime and to keep children and vulnerable adults safe.

"We will continue to work with the trade to ensure our procedures are of a high standard and protect the interests of drivers and the public. CCTV continues to form part of this policy."