15-05-2025
Man pays fraudster to take his driving test because his 'English wasn't too good'
Man pays fraudster to take his driving test because his 'English wasn't too good'
There was one problem. They didn't resemble each other
Clarence House in Newport where driving theory tests take place.
(Image: Business Live )
An unlicensed driver paid money to a fraudster to undertake driving tests on his behalf because his "English wasn't too good". The impersonator passed a theory test and a practical test using the man's ID, which enabled him to drive legally having never sat a test.
Min He, 38, gave his driving licence to an unknown impersonator, who took and passed the theory test in Newport and the practical test in Brecon. The defendant paid the individual due to his belief he did not have adequate English to pass the tests himself.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard an impersonator pretending to be He attended a theory test centre on August 5 last year and presented the defendant's driving licence. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
The impersonator ultimately passed the test but CCTV footage was examined by counter fraud investigators who compared the person in the footage with the photograph on He's provisional licence. They did not resemble each other.
Four days later on August 9, the same man purporting to be the defendant attended a practical test centre in Brecon and passed the test.
A review of the tests were later carried out and it was concluded that the person who undertook the tests was not the defendant.
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He was written to and was told he needed to return his driving licence.
The defendant was invited to a voluntary interview in which he made full admissions to the fraud.
He said contact had been made with a person on WeChat and they exchanged voice messages.
The defendant said they arranged to meet at Newport railway station on August 5 to provide him with his provisional licence and £800 in cash.
On August 9, he said they met at Morrisons in Brecon to again provide his provisional licence and paid an additional £1,000 in cash.
Prosecutor Justin Davies said He's road safety knowledge and driving skills had not been assessed and he posed a risk to other road users, pedestrians and cyclists.
He, of Gwylfa Road, Townhill, Swansea, later pleaded guilty to two counts of making/supplying an article for use in fraud. The court heard he was of previous good character.
In mitigation, Hannah Friedman said her client has a wife and two young children who would suffer if he is sent straight to custody.
The barrister added the defendant wished to gain a driving licence in order to apply for a job as a delivery driver, which would allow him to earn a higher wage to give his family a better life.
Sentencing, Judge Shomon Khan said: "You made some very poor decisions, not only were they foolish but dishonest...
"You were trafficked to this country illegally but you have done everything to put yourself in the best position for your family... You have been living, otherwise, a law-abiding life."
However, Judge Khan said the importance of providing a deterrent trumped the defendant's personal mitigation as it would send the "wrong message".
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He was sentenced to a total of four months imprisonment.
