A SELKIRK woman who tried to dodge a £30 taxi fare has been fined £120 and ordered to pay the original fee in compensation.

Twenty one year old Carly Whitehead called a cab during the early hours of Sunday, July 22, to pick her up in Talisman Avenue in Galashiels and drop two passengers off in Balmoral before heading to Selkirk.

During the journey the taxi driver asked if she had enough money for the fare to which she replied yes.

But as they approached Selkirk Whitehead indicated she did not have the money but said her mother would pay the fare.

Selkirk Justice of the Peace Court heard how the driver stopped his vehicle in the town centre and she went to the bank to withdraw the £30 fare but was only able to get £10.

Depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said at that point the driver called the police.

Whitehead of Sentry Knowe, made no reply to caution and charge.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said: "She is very sorry for the circumstances in this case.

"She realised too late she did not have sufficient funds to pay the fare and ended up in a spot of difficulty.

"She is in between jobs but actively seeking work."

JP Andrew Bramhall noted Whitehead - who pleaded guilty to a fraud charge - had a previous conviction for a similar offence.

In addition to the £120 fine he ordered that Whitehead should pay £30 compensation.