Mark Bowler was disqualified from driving for 30 months after he carried on an unlicensed private hire business, Middlesbrough Council reported.
Bowler, 51, of Penyghent Way, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 10 November 2026. The case followed a joint investigation by Cleveland Police and officers from the council's Licensing Section. The offences related to operating an unlicensed private hire business and using a motor vehicle without insurance. He pleaded guilty to all charges. The court ordered fines and court costs totalling £796.
The business
He operated as MDB Executive Travel. He had held a Middlesbrough Council private hire driver's licence until August 2024, when the council revoked it over concerns about his conduct while working as a private hire driver.
Despite the revocation of his licences, he carried on the business and specialised in frequent airport transfers, until Cleveland Police identified the activity.
What the council told passengers
Judith Hedgley, the council's Head of Public Protection, said:
"Operating a private hire business without the necessary private hire operator, driver and vehicle licences and motor insurance is a serious risk to public safety.
"Bowler was clearly flouting the law, having previously had his private hire driver licence revoked and this is reflected in the decision by the court to disqualify him from driving for 30 months.
"I cannot emphasise enough to the public the importance of using licensed private hire companies and checking to see whether the vehicle and driver are licensed before they travel in any private hire vehicle.
"Private hire vehicles in Middlesbrough are required to display private hire licence plates and signage and all licensed private hire drivers are required to wear a private hire identification badge whilst carrying out bookings."