GUILTY: Ex-taxi driver found continuing to work taxi must pay almost £3,000 in fines and costs

A taxi driver plying-for-hire in Saffron Walden whilst not holding a valid driver's licence faces fines and cost of almost £3,000.

Tajul Islam appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 16 February, charged with three counts of driving a licensed taxi without holding a valid taxi/private hire vehicle driver's licence.

The incidents took place last year, on 31 August and 23 September in Saffron Walden, and on 5 October in Chelmsford.

On one of the occasions listed he was observed picking up a passenger by Uttlesford District Council officers.

Mr Islam did not attend court but pleaded guilty to all three offences. The magistrates took an especially serious view of the most recent offence - as by then Mr Islam's insurance policy had been cancelled.

He was fined £1,080 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £432, and contributions towards prosecution costs of £1,396.

Mr Islam is no longer licensed as a taxi driver.

Cllr Richard Freeman, vice chair of the Uttlesford District Council’s Licensing and Environmental Health Committee, said: "Mr Islam continued to drive a licensed vehicle without having the appropriate driver’s licence and, on one occasion, without valid insurance.

"These are extremely serious offences, and we hope this successful prosecution will serve as a warning to others that we will take appropriate action against those who flout the law."