A TAXI driver working illegally in Reading has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds.

Hadier Ali Khan was nabbed by council officers when he tried to pick up fares without proper insurance.

The 46-year-old was convicted of illegally plying for hire at Reading Magistrates' Court last year but he lodged an appeal after being told to pay costs of £1,738 and a £800 fine.

Now the crown court has upheld the decision and ordered the driver to pay an extra £300 of costs of March 3.

Paul Gittings, lead member for consumer services, said: “This is a positive outcome which upholds regulations that are in place to protect the public.

"I hope cases such as this will serve as a deterrent to drivers who are tempted to operate without the necessary insurance."

Khan, of Oak Drive, Woodley, was first convicted of illegally plying for hire without insurance on October 31 last year.