Taxi driver sentenced for fraud
A taxi driver who used someone else’s address to apply for a licence to operate has been sentenced by magistrates for fraud.
Imran Khan provided an address in Colnbrook to apply for a Private Hire Driver and Vehicle licence, insurance and for checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Other documents he produced with incorrect information on included bank accounts, a V5 Vehicle Registration and DVLA documents.
A criminal investigation was instigated when the council’s licensing team developed concerns Mr Khan had provided false information on forms between April 2017 and March 2019.
When officers went to the address he had given on his documentation they found a family who did not know the driver living there. They confirmed Mr Khan had never resided there.
Mr Khan, of Copse Close, Cippenham, admitted five counts of fraud and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 6 December.
He was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation as well as being ordered to pay the full costs of the prosecution £1413.50, and a victim surcharge of £85.
Michael Sims, the council’s licensing manager, said: “The offences were carried out over a two year period and there was a high culpability and risk because he lied to get his taxi licence and to his insurers.
“If he had been involved in an accident or incident with passengers he would not have been covered and the authorities would not have known where he was living.
“In addition incorrect information supplied to obtain a person’s criminal history via a DBS check is compromised and it is an important aspect of an application to asses the suitability as a private hire driver.
“His licence will now be reassessed due to his conviction for fraud.”
Imran Khan provided an address in Colnbrook to apply for a Private Hire Driver and Vehicle licence, insurance and for checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Other documents he produced with incorrect information on included bank accounts, a V5 Vehicle Registration and DVLA documents.
A criminal investigation was instigated when the council’s licensing team developed concerns Mr Khan had provided false information on forms between April 2017 and March 2019.
When officers went to the address he had given on his documentation they found a family who did not know the driver living there. They confirmed Mr Khan had never resided there.
Mr Khan, of Copse Close, Cippenham, admitted five counts of fraud and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 6 December.
He was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation as well as being ordered to pay the full costs of the prosecution £1413.50, and a victim surcharge of £85.
Michael Sims, the council’s licensing manager, said: “The offences were carried out over a two year period and there was a high culpability and risk because he lied to get his taxi licence and to his insurers.
“If he had been involved in an accident or incident with passengers he would not have been covered and the authorities would not have known where he was living.
“In addition incorrect information supplied to obtain a person’s criminal history via a DBS check is compromised and it is an important aspect of an application to asses the suitability as a private hire driver.
“His licence will now be reassessed due to his conviction for fraud.”
