Man who took €25 for driving group awaits sentencing

A man facing a fine of up to €5,000 for taking €25 to give a lift to five people who mistakenly thought he was a taxi driver will have to wait for sentencing due to confusion over whether he has any previous convictions.

Mirza Baig, of 11 Ardfield Grove, Grange, Co Cork, took the money from the group during a Kinsale Rugby Sevens event. He faced a number of charges including two under a relatively little-known act covering public service vehicles and yesterday his solicitor, Plunkett Taaffe, said he had pleaded guilty to all matters that were before Bandon District Court.