Driver receives suspended jail sentence for using fake private hire vehicle licence
A man from Bolton has been sentenced after posing as a taxi driver in Bury, using a fake private hire licence to continue operating unlawfully.
Faisal Hussain, 31, fabricated a private hire driver’s licence to suggest he was still authorised by the local council after his legitimate licence had expired. His deception came to light when he presented a licensed vehicle for testing, where licensing officers discovered irregularities with the vehicle and identified him as the driver.
Hussain appeared at Stockport Magistrates' Court on 11 September, where he pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
On 29 November, Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court handed Hussain a 16-week jail term, suspended for 12 months. As part of his sentence, he must complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £300 towards prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
This case highlights the importance of robust licensing checks and enforcement in protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of local taxi services.
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.”
