Driver admits using fake provisional licence bought from man in park
A man admitted driving with a false provisional licence he bought from a man who had approached him in a park.
Sarjeet Singh, aged 25, of Dunstall Road, Whitmore Reans pleaded guilty to driving with a false provisional licence, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.
The defendant was stopped by police in an unmarked car on October 19 in Wolverhampton and found to be driving with the illegal documents.
The court heard he had been walking in West Park when he was approached by a man asking if he wanted a provisional licence for his car and that if he could provide £100 and a photo he would be able to give him the documentation.
However, the defendant, who comes from India and lives with his cousin, did not realise it was illegal and thought it was the best way of obtaining a licence in the UK.
Howard Searle, prosecuting, said although the documentation was illegal, the name on the licence was correct.
Mukhtiar Ubhi, mitigating, said Punjabi-speaking Singh had immediately offered up his licence after being arrested by police.
He added: "He made no qualms about where he got the licence from. He was taken to the police station where he made full and frank admissions to the police."
Judge Helen Hughes said: "You have been very frank with the probation officer and you were entirely co-operative with the police when this matter came to light. While these offences involving false documents are regarded seriously by the court and often carry a custodial sentence in your case I shall follow the recommendation which the probation officer makes."
Singh was ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work and had his licence endorsed with six points.
