A MAN who stood trial after cops found £65,000 of amphetamines and a quantity of white powder at his Clydebank home has been denied the chance to earn a living as a taxi driver.

Colin Hilton, of Spencer Street, appeared at West Dunbartonshire Council’s licensing committee last Wednesday, seeking a temporary taxi/private hire car driver’s licence.

However, the move was rejected by the committee.

Mr Hilton’s admission was that the charges of intent to supply were found “not proven” and now he was just looking to “provide for his family”.

The meeting was told how police searched Mr Hilton’s Clydebank property and found 6.5 kilos of amphetamines, worth £65,000 in a freezer and polythene bags with “white powder”.

It was also stated that children were at home at the time.

Mr Hilton was charged with possession with intent to supply, but walked free after the charges against him were not proven.

When he appeared at the committee meeting last week, he pointed out that the home was not shared by his wife and children, who lived in a separate property.

He said: “I also want to point out that it [the charge] was not proven.”

Councillor John Mooney asked for clarification as to whether children were in the house at the time and was told by Hilton: “They were there when police came to the door but left before the search was done.”

However, a police representative told the meeting that their information was that one bedroom was “furnished for children”.

Mr Hilton said it was a “major incident”, but reiterated he had “no knowledge” of the drugs being stored.

He also said to members that he “fully co-operated” with the investigation and thus he could not see any “valid reason” for not granting him a licence.

He said: “I am looking to provide financial backing for raising my children.

“I have been off work since this happened. I was working in the financial services industry and I have not had any money. I want to provide some meaning to my life.”

Cllr John Mooney said: “According to the police report you said other people were accessing your house. Why did you allow that?”

Mr Hilton said: “A mutual friend was homeless. I was working in Edinburgh working from 7.30am to 7.30pm at night. I gave him access to my house to give him a place to change, charge his phone etc then I came back one day and police were there with a warrant to search it.

“I go to church every Sunday and the Christian thing is to help people who need help.”

Mr Hilton’s request was ultimately rejected by the committee.