Three cab drivers fined over illegal fares pick-up in Milton Keynes

Charles Ato Leeston of North Twelfth Street, Lakmithasan Poothan of Blythe Bridge, Broughton, and Mohideen Bawe Thowseer of Bellwether, Fullers Slade, all pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance.

Mr Leeston was fined £40 for plying for hire and £120 for invalid motor insurance.

He was also given six DVLA penalty points and has to pay costs of £200, with a victim surcharge of £30.

Mr Poothan was fined £145 for plying for hire and £440 for invalid motor insurance. He was also given six DVLA points on his licence and has to pay costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £44. Mr Thowseer was fined £100 for plying for hire and £300 for invalid motor insurance.

He was also given six DVLA points on his licence and has to pay costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Councillor Mick Legg, the Cabinet member responsible for taxi licensing policy, said: “Licensed drivers are in a position of trust and members of the public expect that anyone driving a licensed vehicle has the correct licence and insurance to do so.

“Illegally plying for hire and driving without appropriate insurance cover means passengers have little or no legal protection while travelling in these vehicles.”