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Oliver awaits IC's call Seen this truck? It's orange NORTHUMBRIAN
Page 16
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HAULAGE firm William Martin Oliver & Partners is waiting to see if it will lose its 0-licence following a public inquiry.
The Haltwistle-based firm appeared before North Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell following the discovery of widespread tacho and hours offences.
The TC's decision had been postponed to allow the conclusion of the criminal trial of the three partners in the firm —William Martin and Marion and Stuart Oliver —at Newcastle Crown Court.
The jury was unable to agree a verdict on the three, who had all pleaded not guilty (CM 17 June).
Previously 10 of the firm's drivers had been jailed, 15 given community sentences and another seven were fined a total of almost £5,000.
At the trial Stuart Oliver, who had been in charge of the day-today operations, admitted that he had not spent as much time as he should overseeing the running of the business.
He blamed this on personal issues.
The prosecution has until 6 July to decide if a retrial would he in the public interest.