An Oldham taxi driver has been handed a two year ban from driving and must pay more than £4,600 after committing driving offences.

Ibrar Hussain, of Lees Road, Oldham, had been suspended by Oldham Council's licensing team after his criminal record certificate expired. 

A criminal record certificate is an official document issued by police or by an appropriate law enforcement agency which details a persons criminal record history.

The suspension of his private hire license meant that his insurance was invalidated and he was committing an offense. 

The 32-year-old failed to attend Tameside Magistrates' Court on September 19 and was found guilty of driving without insurance and a private hire licence.

In his absence, Hussain was banned from driving for two years and was ordered to pay a fine, costs and surcharge totalling £4,671.

Oldham Council has also revoked Hussain's licenses with immediate effect as a result of the conviction.

Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and the cabinet member responsible for Licensing, said: “In general, taxi standards in Oldham are very good. 

“However, where breaches do occur, the penalty imposed in this case by the court shows that this sort of behaviour will be taken seriously, and the consequences can be severe.”