Bogus taxi driver punished by court for using fake licence

A man posing as a taxi driver in Bury has been given a suspended jail sentence by magistrates.

Faisal Hussain made his own private hire driver’s licence to show he was still licensed by the local authority, following the expiry of his real licence.

His activities were uncovered by Bury licensing officers when he took a licensed car to a testing centre, and there were issues identified with the vehicle. Mr Hussain was identified as the driver of the licensed vehicle.

Hussain (aged 31) of Gilnow Road, Bolton pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 when he appeared before Stockport Magistrates Court on 11 September.

On 29 November, Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court sentenced him to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He must undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and perform 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £300 towards prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, skills and the economy, said: ““It is essential that the public have complete confidence in the taxi trade. All drivers go through rigorous checking procedures before they are granted a licence, to ensure that they are fit and proper to hold a licence and that the vehicle they are travelling is maintained to a high standard.

“Thankfully Hussain was driving for only one month before his deception was uncovered.

“This shows how important it is that taxi drivers are licensed locally, where the local authority has the ability to carry out rigorous checks and ongoing enforcement.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 December 2024.