Stiff sentence for theory test fraudsters
Four men who arranged for an impersonator to take driving theory tests for them have been sent to prison.


They admitted conspiracy to commit fraud at driving theory test centres in Doncaster, Harrogate, Middlesbrough and Grimsby.


At Teesside Crown Court, three defendants were sentenced to six months in prison. They were:



Sami Mohammed Hamadok, 36 of Percy Street, Middlesbrough
Kayfee Hameed, 34 of Meath Street, Middlesbrough
Ahmed Kamel Omar, 30 of Eaton Close, Fishponds, Bristol

A fourth defendant, Agar Hamid, 20, of Spalding Towers, Leeds, was sentenced to three months in prison.


The court was told they arranged for an impersonator to sit their driving theory tests between September and November 2009. Evidence discovered during the investigation uncovered links between all four men and the impersonators who took the tests.


Sentencing, Judge Peter Bowers said: "[Driving test impersonation] is a serious matter, particularly if it allows you to drive on the roads without an adequate knowledge of road safety. I think a deterrent sentence is essential. It's important that others learn not to commit this sort of offence."


Andy Rice, head of DSA's fraud and integrity team, said: "The theory test is there to make sure candidates have a satisfactory understanding of the principles that will help make them safer drivers.


"Around 1.5 million theory tests take place every year and thankfully such crime is extremely rare. We work closely with police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring these fraudsters to justice."


Fact file:
Between 1 April and 31 December 2010, DSA's Fraud and Integrity Team concluded 888 investigations into impersonation/ identity fraud surrounding the driving test.


DSA is committed to the prosecution of offenders in order to preserve public safety on the roads and the integrity of the driving test procedure.


Since 2004, the work of the Fraud and Integrity Team has led to over 1100 arrests, and over 1500 licence revocations. There are currently more than 900 ongoing investigations.

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