A TAXI driver falsely imprisoned a woman in his cab in an attempt to persuade her to settle a debt, a court heard.

Abdul Aziz, 51, picked up Donna Storey when she contacted Stockton Cars to ask for a taxi.

However, she soon realised he was driving the wrong way then heard the car's central locking device engage.

Sean Dodds, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said that Miss Storey recognised Aziz as the father of her former landlord, to whom she owed £1,345.

Mr Dodds said that she panicked and called the police from her mobile phone when the cab stopped and Aziz got out to speak to people in the street.

Aziz was arrested and said he was only trying to sort out the debt by taking Miss Storey to talk to his wife.

He said he did not intend to harm her.

Aziz, who admitted false imprisonment on March 18 this year, was found not guilty on a charge of kidnapping.

Aisha Wadoodi, mitigating, said Aziz was likely to lose his job as a result of the court case.

Judge Peter Bowers said Aziz, of Howden Walk, Stockton, had been misguided rather than evil and that his lack of English was a factor in the incident.

He gave him a two-year conditional discharge.

Aziz was ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.