Good repute despite convictions for theft
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by Mike Jewell • A haulier who has two convictions for trailer theft emerged from a public inquiry this week with his good repute intact.
Crewe-based Gary Murphy. who holds a licence for three vehicles and trailers, appeared at the Manchester disciplinary inquiry before North Western Traffic Commissioner Martin Albu.
Albu said that he read a sevenpage letter of explanation from Murphy, who intends to appeal against both his convictions, adding: "In the circumstances I am prepared not to take any action against his good repute in regard to these offences."
Murphy is to challenge a judge's opinion that any appeal against one of his convictions and sentences has no chance of success. He told the Commissioner that he moved his operating base from Moss Farm, Broughton Road, Coppenhall, Crewe because he suspected someone there "landed him with the two convictions". He did not report one of the convictions because he thought the court would automatically inform Albu's office.
In May Murphy was convicted of trailer theft at Lincoln Crown Court, had an existing suspended prison sentence extended for year and was fined £1,500.
Ile was also given a 15-month suspended prison sentence and fined £1,000 at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in March 1991 for the theft of a trailer (CM June 3-9 and June 17-23).