A Dublin Airport taxi driver has been fined after it was ruled that he failed to use the shortest route to his customer's destination.

Barry Burns, who pleaded not guilty to a taxi regulation charge of not driving as directed by his passenger. denies the charge and maintains that he allowed his customer, John Conroy, to choose the route.

According to the Irish Examiner, John Conroy requested that Mr. Burns take the M1 to his home in Blackrock, Co Dublin last March, but was told by the taxi driver that it was closed and that the M50 or Finglas route would be quickest.

Despite assuring the customer that the fare would cost €10 to €15 more than the standard €35 fare had they taken the M1, Mr. Conroy was ultimately charged €64.40.

The Dublin District Court heard that the customer felt pressured to agree with the suggested route, telling the defence barrister: "The whole atmosphere was not pleasant, that is the way I go, through the tunnel, I felt under pressure."

"I wanted to go the M1 and I was told there was an accident and it was blocked, that was not the case, " Mr. Conroy added.

Mr. Burns, who recalled heavy traffic on March 20th, agreed that there was a quicker alternative route but claimed the customer chose the route they ultimately took.

After fining Mr. Burns €250, Judge Walsh also ordered the taxi driver, who has been in the profession for ten years, to pay €130 in witness expenses.