A DRINKER who ran off with a taxi driver's badge when asked to pay his fare has escaped punishment, provided he behaves himself.

Prosecutor Jane Chadwick said cabbie Martin Saunders drove Kelvin Terence Smith from Acomb to Stamford Street West, off Leeman Road, York, late on September 28.

But when he asked his passenger for the £5.90 fare, Smith retorted: "You are having a laugh - you are not a real taxi driver."

Mr Saunders produced his official taxi driver's badge, but Smith grabbed it and ran off without paying.

Smith, 30, of Upper Hanover Street, off Leeman Road, York, pleaded guilty to theft and making off without paying. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £35 prosecution costs.

His solicitor, Chris McGrogan, told York magistrates that since September 28, he had sent the taxi driver £10 - nearly double the fare. He was remorseful for his actions, which was a one-off incident. Mrs Chadwick said when police found Smith in his sitting room shortly after the theft, he was abusive. He had stuffed the badge into the sofa.

He told them he had been out drinking with friends and had drunk about ten lagers.

The court heard he did not recall ordering the taxi or anything about the incident.