22-10-2009
Drivers Jailed for Falsifying Records
The Judge at Ipswich Crown Court heard from prosecuting Barrister, Miles Bennett how the son had allowed his name to be used on tachograph record sheets to hide excess driving and insufficient rest.
Father, Colin Linder was sentenced to six months in prison after knowingly making 20 false records and disqualified from driving for 12 months. His son Sean Newson, also the CPC holder was sentenced to four months for knowingly falsifying 16 tachograph records due to, as the Judge described “misguided loyalty towards his father”.
The Judge at Ipswich Crown Court has sent a clear message out to the industry - drivers who allow their names to be used on tachographs records by others will face a custodial sentence.
Alex Fiddes, Chief Operating Officer for VOSA said: ‘’This case highlights the severity of fraudulent records.
‘’We are dedicated in improving road safety and a large proportion of that is ensuring drivers are adhering to the rules. We take falsification of tachograph records extremely seriously. As this case has proved it can result in a prison sentence.''
No costs were incurred by either perpetrator due to their financial circumstances.
Kevin Reid, the investigating VOSA Traffic Examiner has been awarded a Judges Commendation for his diligence in the case.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is responsible for:
• Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
• Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the MOT testing scheme
• Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
• Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
• Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
• Providing training and advice for commercial operators
• Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.
For media inquiries about VOSA, please contact: Rachel Hicks on 0117 954 2619 or Libby Cottingham on 0117 9543208 or e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk