A man who was “blind drunk” over the Christmas period last year has been ordered to pay £607 after fleeing two minicabs without paying.

William Slater, 50, of Telford Drive, Walton, pleaded guilty to two charges of making off without making payment at North Surrey Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 7.

Slater was picked up from All Bar One in Wandsworth on December 27, 2012, and was taken to his home address, having previously been told how much the fare would cost.

Upon arrival to his house, Slater became abusive to the minicab driver and left without paying the £42 fare.

On December 29, 2012, Slater left another minicab without paying and the driver called the police.

Slater was found by police in a “drunken state” his bedroom and was arrested.

Slater’s defence solicitor told the court: “The offences were committed over the festive period and he was clearly drunk. It is not an excuse and he is ashamed of it. He just got blind drunk and acted like an idiot and he will put his hands up and say that."

Slater was ordered to pay a fine £200 for the first offence and compensation of £42 to the mini cab driver.

He was also told to pay a £200 fine for the second offence and £35 compensation to the mini cab driver.

Slater was also ordered to pay £110 costs and a £20 surcharge within six weeks.