A local taxi driver has been prosecuted and fined for operating without a licence.

Graham Claydon, of Sapcote and owner of GJC Private Hire, was caught after a member of the public called to complain about the vehicle used for their return journey from EastMidlandsAirport.

The car had broken down on the side of the motorway.

It transpired that the car Mr Claydon was using was not licensed and his private hire operator’s licence had not been renewed so he should not have been trading.

At Leicester Magistrates Court on Friday May 24, he was found guilty of acting without an operator’s licence on two occasions and fined £100 per offence.

He was also ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Councillor Guy Jackson, portfolio holder for regulatory and neighbourhood services said:

“Our priority is to make sure members of the public are safe when they get into a vehicle licensed by Blaby District Council.

“This should be a warning to anyone running private hire vehicles illegally and could also result in the loss of their operators licence.”

For more information on licensing in Blaby district visit www.blaby.gov.uk email licensing@blaby.gov.uk or contact 0116 272 7783.