Walter Burke, 63, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving following a trial that featured a dramatic courtroom demonstration of his failure to react.

Transport for London has confirmed a wave of price increases that will force taxi and private hire drivers to pay significantly more for their licences and tests.

The driver was reportedly approached by three men wearing face coverings who "threatened him with a knife and stole £200" before running away.

Aqeel Shakeel’s appeal was dismissed at Dudley Magistrates' Court following a council investigation that used "state-of-the-art technology" to prove his Audi A4 was equipped with the deceptive plates.

Council officers had suggested that future talks should only include senior staff and drivers to avoid "political bias" and "maintain impartiality in the council’s licensing functions."

The move comes as the county struggles with a sharp decline in taxi numbers, with figures showing that more than a fifth of licensed drivers - a total of 218 - have left the trade since the pandemic.

According to the RAC, average petrol prices have hit 139.64p a litre since the violence began, leaving many drivers struggling to stay profitable.

Terrence Harrington pleaded guilty to attacking driver Mahmoud Arras on December 20, claiming he was left at the "wrong street" while under the influence of eight pints of cider.