A WREXHAM man who tried to dodge his taxi fare has ended up having to fork out more than ten times its value.

Aaron Harris, of Davies Court, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old admitted that on February 26 this year he made off without payment for a service.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that on the day of the offence, Harris booked a taxi from his home to travel to Wrexham General Railway station.

He made the booking under a different name.

The taxi arrived and drove him to the station, but when it came time to pay the £6.20 fare, he left the vehicle without paying.

In a victim personal statement, the taxi driver said he is self-employed and the defendant's actions caused him financial loss.

He said such crimes cause disruption to business and affect his confidence when taking fares.

Ms Jackson told the court that Harris has 27 previous offences on his record - 17 of which are theft related.

The last offence on his record, a burglary with intent to steal, saw him receiving a community order in March this year.

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Alex Mackenzie, defending, said the making off without payment offence had pre-dated the imposition of her client's community order.

As such, she asked Deputy District Judge James Hulse to assess whether it would have made a difference to the community order.

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Ms MacKenzie added that her client was in receipt of benefits.

Harris was ordered to pay £6.20 in compensation to the taxi driver, as well as £85 costs.

The Judge reminded him to "continue to comply" with his ongoing community order.