A 23-year-old man has been ordered to pay £700 for being an illegal taxi driver.
Glen Avery, 23, of Morgan Street, Tredegar, was prosecuted by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards and admitted six charges in relation to being an unlicensed public hackney carriage.
Newport Magistrates’ Court was told how Avery would use his Nissan Primera to offer “lifts” via social media.
He also picked up fares in Bargoed and a drop-off in trade for legitimate taxis led to drivers complaining.
In response, Trading Standards and Gwent Police launched a joint investigation.
CCTV footage from over the Christmas and New Year period last year clearly showed Avery taking money from passengers before driving them away.
Avery appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 22, and was fined a total of £480. He was also told to pay prosecution costs of £200 and a £20 victim surcharge. It was agreed he would pay off the sum at a rate of £10 a fortnight beginning this month.
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, commented: “Operating as an illegal taxi is a serious offence, and one that potentially could put members of the public in very real danger.”