INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Taxi fare dodger fined for not paying his dues

A TEENAGER who dodged an £8 taxi fare by claiming to return and pay with his father’s bank card has been fined £345.

The expensive cab ride took place on February 12, 2020 when Scott Smith was only 18.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Smith boarded the vehicle in Academy Street at about 5.30pm and asked to be taken to his home in Mackintosh Road, Inverness.

Fiscal depute Emily Hood said: “The driver waited five or 10 minutes for him to come back but he didn’t. Smith was identified through CCTV in the cab.”

Defence solicitor Clare Russell said: “He was under the influence of alcohol at the time but that is no excuse.”

Smith admitted defrauding the taxi driver of his fare.