Peter Garrett, of Little Walden Road, Saffron Walden, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 1 August, and was found guilty on three charges:

-        One charge of acting as the driver of a private hire vehicle without having a current licence

-        One charge of operating a private hire vehicle without holding a current licence; and,

-        One charge of using a motor vehicle without valid insurance.

The court heard that council enforcement officers were made aware of social media posts published by Mr Garrett which were advertising his services for private hire work under the guise of a private chauffeur. Officers, acting in the capacity of a member of public, called the telephone number and had a booking accepted for a pre-agreed price of £35.00. Mr Garrett arrived at the agreed pick-up point where he was met by the officers.

Mr Garrett did not hold the required licences for this activity contrary to the law, and as a result he also did not have the appropriate insurance cover on his vehicle.

He was fined £580 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £232 plus costs of £600, totalling £1,412. In addition, 6 penalty points were endorsed on his DVLA licence.

Cllr Alex Armstrong, Chair of the council's Licensing and Environmental Health Committee, said:

"These are extremely serious offences, and we hope this successful prosecution will serve as a warning to others that we will take appropriate action against those who flout the law".