A TAXI driver who attempted to pick up a fair without the correct licence during last year's Reading Festival has been fined.

Fahad Shabbir, of Caversham Road, was permitted to trade in Wallingford and was in the area of Richfield Avenue when he was caught by council staff.

The 32-year-old received a fine of £450 at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday and was told to pay legal costs of £690 to Reading Borough Council.

Shabbir was planning to return to Oxfordshire on the evening of August 25 when he made the 'spur of the moment' decision to offer someone a lift.

Council officers were out on patrol to spot unlicensed drivers who regularly use the festival as an opportunity to charge higher than usual rates.

He admitted to plying for hire and was made to pay a sur charge of £45.