A FORMER taxi firm boss has been banned from driving after taking fares without a licence.

Beverley Brown, of Barrack Lane, Dovercourt, admitted two charges of acting as a Hackney carriage driver without a licence and two of driving without insurance.

Brown, 45, was given 12 penalty points resulting in a one-year disqualification and ordered to pay £4,800 in fines and costs.

Kirsty Panton, mitigating, said when invited for interview under caution Brown did attend and had co-operated with Tendring Council, who brought the prosecution, at all stages.