Industry News from Yes Insurance

A bus driver has been jailed for 12 months after assuming the identity of other people in order to take their driving theory tests for them.

Deeg Mohammed is said to have taken over 200 tests, charging people up to £500 every time.

Once he had completed the test, aided by his experience as a bus driver, Mr Mohammed would send the certificate to the true candidate so that they could move on to taking their practical examination.

It is thought the 27-year-old made in excess of £10,000 from the scam and was only caught when the DVLA and Driving Standards Agency became suspicious that so many tests were being paid for using the same credit card.

CCTV footage was studied and Mr Mohammed was seen sitting 15 different tests in six different counties.

In court the Somali bus driver claimed that he took the tests for fellow Somalis who could not speak very good English and he denied receiving any money.

His lawyer claimed the scam was "without a direct victim", but the judge disagreed as car insurance providers were being duped and unqualified drivers were taking to the road.

"These offences let loose onto the roads people who are not skilled to drive and people who are not skilled to drive can have accidents and hurt or kill others," said recorder Paul Clements.

"A message has to go out from this court that judges do consider this a serious crime that merits a prison sentence and that is what you are going to get."

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