A DUNFERMLINE taxi driver who hit a two-year-old girl at a pedestrian crossing after failing to stop in time at lights has appealed against a decision to refuse him a new licence.

Members of Fife Council's regulation and licensing committee had voted against granting a new taxi/private hire car driver's licence to Alexander Hudson, of Islay Road, at their meeting in October.

However, they were informed at their meeting on Tuesday that Mr Hudson has now made an appeal to the sheriff in an attempt to get the decision reversed.

He told the Press this week that he was hoping the case would be heard in the coming weeks.

"I don't have to attend, I have got a lawyer to represent me," he explained. "I haven't got any points on my licence now, they were removed some time ago, I think it was in July that happened," he said.

"I am hoping it will be reversed. When it was decided, it was quite close. It was only by seven votes to six."

In December 2016, Hudson was found guilty after a trial of driving without due care and attention on June 23 that year by failing to comply with a traffic signal showing red, failing to stop and colliding with a child.

The incident took place in St Leonard’s Street, Dunfermline, near the Asda store.

Cabbie Hudson, now 63, had been branded an “amber gambler” at his trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

The girl’s dad told the court she had been “trotting” over the road alongside him after the green signal to cross had come up.

He said the taxi screeched to a halt after the beeping sound to cross had started.

However, Hudson told the court the father had been “exaggerating” and the girl had run into his car.

He said: “I definitely stopped before the white line and before the girl hit the car. It was static.”

The girl escaped with slight injuries as a result of the incident.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia put it to Hudson that he was an “amber gambler”.

Hudson responded: “I did my best to stop. I stopped well before she ran into the car.”

After he was found guilty, defence solicitor Ian Beatson said: “This will obviously affect his future as a taxi driver. His taxi licence is up for renewal in January. It may be that he will no longer be considered suitable to hold a licence.”

Hudson was fined £500 for the offence and was given six penalty points.