A CONVICTED criminal could have been driving unknowing passengers around in his taxi after lying to the council about his past.

Ifraan Mahmood, of Byron Road in Banbury, did not tell Cherwell District Council about his previous convictions for a year between October 15, 2017 and October 31, 2018.

The 30-year-old was found guilty of fraud by false representation after a trial at Oxford Magistrates Court on December 16.

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The court heard how he had committed fraud by lying and intending to make some money on the back of it.

He was slapped with a £500 fine, and ordered to pay £800 in court costs.

He must also pay a victim surcharge of £50.