AN UBER driver accused of a sex attack on a customer has had his licence suspended.

Mohammed Waqas Ali appeared before the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.

The 42-year-old failed to convince councillors he should allowed to continue operating as a private hire driver.

The committee suspended the Pollokshields resident’s licence until its expiry date in January next year.

Mr Ali is alleged to have sexually assaulted with penetration a woman on a Cumbernauld Street in on January 27.

He appeared in court on February 19 and pleaded not guilty.

Bail was granted on three grounds, that he: does not contact the complainant, does not enter the street in Cumbernauld and does not drive a taxi.

The committee had to get involved because technically a private hire licence is different from a taxi licence.

Councillors heard him make his case and decided to ban him from driving a private hire, following the court.

Mr Ali told the committee, “I am not guilty”, before saying “the wrong people got in the car”.

Councillor Rhiannon Spear asked if there was any way Uber could ensure he is not deployed to the street of the incident.

Communication broke down at this point because Mr Ali could not understand English well enough.

Councillor Spear was then assisted in trying to communicate with him by Bailie John Kane, to no avail.

Councillors turned to each other in confusion before Bailie Hanif Raja was able to help translate.

It was confirmed from Mr Ali that he could not choose where to be deployed.

Bailie John Kane also asked: “Have you read the paper work that was sent out?”

The alleged sex attacker responded: “No, sir. I gave it to my lawyer.”

Councillors asked for a final appeal from Mr Ali.

His friend, Nur Mohammed, was then allowed to translate the question for him so he properly understood it.

Mr Ali added: “I need to live. I have a family, children, parents and a cousin who is handicapped to look after. I have no other jobs. I will have nothing to eat.”