An Ashby-based taxi firm owner must pay over £8,000 in fines and costs for allowing an unlicensed driver to carry out bookings illegally.

North West Leicestershire District Council says it is the 'biggest fine' it has ever secured for this type of offence.

Ejaz Ahmed, 51, Hunter Street, Burton-upon-Trent, received a £1,600 fine and was ordered to pay £6,384 in costs and a victim surcharge of £160.

Ahmed failed to comply with the District Council's investigation into an employee who had been driving a taxi without a license for his Ashby business, A1 Taxis.

The business owner knowingly employed the driver without the required private hire license and failed to keep vital records by deleting information relevant to the council's investigation.

Ahmed pleaded guilty on July 29 and Magistrates issued him with the fine and court costs.

The £8,144 will be paid in £678 instalments.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: "This is the biggest fine that we've ever secured in court for this type of offence, which reflects the seriousness of the crime.

"Unlawful activity like this puts people's safety at risk, including passengers and other road users and the role of our licensing enforcement officers is to stop this from happening.

"We're lucky that these offences happen rarely and residents can rest assured that, by choosing to travel with one of our licensed operators, it is both a safe and reliable option."