A SERIAL domestic abuser who grabbed one woman by the throat and caused another to be hospitalised has been refused a private hire car licence.

In 2007 Jason Todd kicked his first partner during a heated argument forcing her to flee their house. She was then taken into hospital for severe bruising.

In 2013 he grabbed his new partner, who is now his wife, by the throat and punched her on the face in a public street in Coatbridge.

In a separate incident he pushed the woman’s head down a sink causing scratch marks to her face.

Mr Todd was charged with assault to injury and breach of the peace in August 2007and fined £600.

He was charged with assault in 2013 and ordered to complete a community payback order.

A representative from Police Scotland told the licensing committee said: “In April 2007 he became involved in an argument with his then partner and kicked her on the body.

“She left the house to get away from him. She was taken into hospital suffering from severe bruising.

“In September 2013 he was placed on a community payback order for 18 months for assaulting his new partner on West George Street in Coatbridge.

“He held her by the throat, punched her on the face and grabbed her by her hair. The following year he was ordered to complete another community payback order for attacking the same woman when he shouted and uttered threats at their home.

“He pushed her head down the bathroom sink. The neighbours called the police who noticed scratch marks to her face.”

Councillor Alex Wilson said: “You caused someone to be hospitalised. You are supposed to defend your partner. Do you have any respect for women at all?”

Mr Todd responded: “I had intended to plead not guilty to the first charge but was told by my lawyer that I could negotiate a fine if I did plead guilty.

“In 2013 I had lost my job and had part of my bowel removed. I was depressed and planning a wedding at the same time. I am now married to the second woman.

“I was in counselling for 18 months and have not had any more issues.”

Councillor Alex Wilson said: “I certainly hope so for the sake of your wife. You can’t seem to control your [temper] with your wife, how would you cope with the general public?”

Mr Todd said: “I have worked in the bar and restaurant industry for 20 years and have never had any problems.”

Mr Wilson replied: “There is never any excuse for domestic violence. Your partner is supposed to be the person you care about the most. You are supposed to protect her.”

Following a discussion members refused to grant the licence.