Armstrong fined
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Falsified tachograph charts cost Oldham lorry driver Brian Armstrong 2650 in fines and costs when he appeared before the Rochdale Magistrates. Armstrong originally denied 30 allegations of making false entries, but later changed his plea to guilty to 20 of the offences; no evidence was offered on the other 10.
Prosecuting for the North Western Traffic Area, Christopher Worthy said that following an accident on August 14, 1986 Armstrong's tachograph charts were checked and it was obvious that he had made a false entry. A whole series of offences were revealed when further charts were checked, going back to November 15, 1985. Armstrong used two charts: one in his own name and one in the name of P. Jackson. He altered the mode switch to suit himself and on a number of occasions the tachograph clock had been altered by 12 hours. The offences were committed to hide the fact that he had being driving and working excessive hours.
Defending, Michael Paterson said that Armstrong was a loyal and hard working employee. In November 1985 he realised he had run out of duty time but had carried on back to the company depot, adopting the same practice on subsequent occasions. Armstrong had been an HGV driver for 30 years and had no previods convictions. The Magistrates fined Armstrong 220 on each offence and ordered him to pay 2250 costs.