A Muslim Uber driver has been fined after he refused to pick up a blind passenger and his guide dog because he claimed it was against his religion.

Ahmed Kayd, 42, sent Charles Bloch packing after asking if his pet Labrador Carlo would 'lick him'.

Kayd refused the pair a lift home to Spinney Hill Park in Leicester - despite Mr Bloch warning the driver that he would be with his dog through a message on Uber's smartphone app.

Ahmed Kayd (right), 42, sent passenger Charles Bloch (left) packing after asking if his pet Labrador Carlo would 'lick him'

Kayd told his disgruntled passenger that it was against his religion to take the dog, despite Mr Bloch explaining it was illegal to refuse him a lift, on April 22.

Mr Bloch left feedback on the Uber app, explaining Kayd's actions, and Kayd called back to apologise - but he had already made other arrangements.

Kayd, from Beaumont Leys in Leicester, admitted refusing to convey a guide dog under the Equality Act 2010 at Leicester Magistrates Court.

He was handed a £140 fine, ordered to pay £327 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, said Kayd's fine sent a message to other drivers.

She said: 'Taxi drivers are legally required to accept bookings from passengers with assistance dogs, unless the driver has been granted an exemption certificate by the local authority.

Mr Bloch warned Kayd that refusing him a lift because he was with his guide dog was illegal, but the driver did so anyway - claiming it was against his religion to carry the pet

'In this case, the driver didn't have any legitimate reason not to accept Mr Bloch and Carlo.