A TAXI driver who picked up an illegal fare has been fined in court.

Meharban Hussain admitted plying for hire and driving without insurance when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates on Tuesday (July 23).

The 49-year-old, of Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough, was given six penalty points on his licence, fined £136 with £437 costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30.

The case followed an operation by licensing officers from Middlesbrough Council in January when Hussain's vehicle was flagged down on Acklam Road.

The officers asked the driver if he could take them to Middlesbrough town centre, and he agreed saying ‘no problem, jump in' before charging a £6 fare at the destination.

When interviewed, the driver confirmed that the journey wasn't pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator, thereby invalidating his motor insurance.

Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: "The safety and welfare of the taxi travelling public is of paramount importance, and that's why it's imperative that all operators, vehicles and drivers are properly licensed and operate within the law.

"This case is an example of the robust enforcement action we will take against those who put passengers at risk by flouting the law."