An illegal taxi driver who took passengers to airports in an unlicensed vehicle has been fined.

Keith Morgan, of Hardinge Road, Ashford, admitted using the car without a licence at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court today.

The 43-year-old was caught out by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) after the authority received a tip-off.

In April, Morgan sold his licensed taxi and bought a new vehicle, but failed to get it tested or licensed before conducting a number of airport runs to Heathrow and Gatwick over the weekend of April 8 and 9.

An investigation by ABC revealed a number of unlicensed journeys and also found the car had an unsafe tyre.

Following the investigation – and before the court hearing – Morgan surrendered his taxi driver and vehicle licences.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of using the vehicle without a private hire licence and was fined £100 for each offence.

Cllr Brad Bradford, portfolio holder for highways, wellbeing, and safety, said: “This prosecution should send out a stark warning to those who fail to comply with their legal requirements that offences will be dealt with firmly, and risks to the safety of the travelling public will not be tolerated.”