A driver is trying to get Southampton City Council to overturn a decision refusing him a taxi licence.

Sam Nshemereirweh, 49, of Lodge Road, Southampton, had applied for a taxi licence but failed to disclose that he had been convicted of using his phone while driving, a court heard.

The 49-year-old appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court yesterday to launch his appeal against the refusal to grant a hackney carriage driver's licence.

He stood in court wearing a black shirt and was unrepresented by a solicitor. He simply confirmed his name, age, address and why he was in court.

Nshemereirweh was advised to seek legal representation for his appeal.

The full hearing was adjourned until March 19 next year.