For what it's worth, this is the official Reading Borough Council press release
Haven't really read it, but would guess the Chronicle's piece above is a pretty faithful rehash.
However, what's maybe more interesting is the council's 'notes to editors' in the press release, which are a tad different from the norm for this kind of thing, but which the Chronicle hasn't bothered with in its article
Uber driver ordered to pay over £1,000 for second offence of illegally operating in Reading
- Uber driver Muhamad Ismail Mahumuthu Atham fined £1,195 and given eight points for illegally plying for hire in Reading
This was his second conviction for the same offence, with a previous one in November 2020
A FAREHAM Borough Council-licensed Uber driver has been hit with financial penalties of more than £1,000 and given eight points on his driving licence after he was caught illegally plying for hire for £10 fares in Reading, for a second time.
Muhamad Ismail Mahumuthu Atham, of Kingsgate Street, Reading, was ordered to pay fines and legal costs totalling £1,195, after being found guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court in June 2024.
The 52-year-old was caught by Reading Council Licensing officers on Oxford Road, Reading, on Sunday 2 December 2022.
Mr Atham agreed to pick up two officers acting as passengers outside a late-night food outlet. When Mr Atham recognised one of the enforcement officers, he drove off with the rear door still open.
At a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 17 June 2024, Mr Atham was found guilty on three counts:
- Plying for hire without a hackney carriage vehicle licence - £200 fine
Plying for hire without a hackney carriage driver’s licence - £100 fine
Driving without insurance – 8 penalty points
He also was ordered to pay £775 towards prosecution costs, as well as a victim surcharge of £120.
Mr Atham has previously been convicted for illegally plying for hire in Reading. On 9 November 2020, he was found guilty of the same offence at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
"This successful conviction by Reading's diligent licensing team shows that Private Hire drivers who think they are above the law will not escape punishment.
"Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers deserve to trust that their driver is properly insured and licensed. Our officers routinely conduct operations in town centre hotspots to enforce these standards.
“We are thankful for the support from the majority of Reading's law-abiding taxi trade. Unlicensed drivers who undermine this trust will be dealt with firmly to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.
"If you have any concerns about taxi or private hire drivers, you can report them confidentially to us at licensing@reading.gov.uk or through the Council Contact Centre at 0118 937 3787."
) but couldn't if he had had a Reading PH license.