A ROGUE driver advertising airport transfers on social media has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds in costs.

Patrik Lesko was posting adverts on Facebook offering to drive holiday-makers to airports despite missing key legal requirements.

Lesko, who would post adverts in Slovakian touting for fire without the right licence or insurance.

Reading Borough Council officers were tipped off in August 2016 and began investigating.

Working with Thames Valley Police they booked Lesko for a test purchase on February 9 2017.

The 41-year-old appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 21 where he admitted illegally plying for hire, operating a vehicle without a licence and failing to hold the correct insurance.

Sarah Hacker, lead member for consumer services, said: "I hope that the outcome of this case serves as a warning to those who are tempted to unlawfully ply for hire in Reading.

"People need to be reassured that the taxis that they are using are safe, and without the correct licence and insurance, the passenger could be at risk. These rules are in place to protect the public.

Lesko, of Collis Street, Reading, was told to pay a £370 fine, legal costs of £100 and given six penalty points.