Haulier denies tacho fiddle
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A haulier from Macclesfield has denied the fraudulent use of vehicle registration plates and falsifying tachograph records.
Stanley Fernyhough, of Swythamley, pleaded not guilty to 14 offences of fraudulent use and six of falsification when he appeared before magistrates at Newcastle-underLyme in Staffordshire.
Fernyhoughs Ltd, based at the same address, Is accused of 15 offences of using six vehicles without current vehicle excise licences and one offence of failing to produce tachograph records.
Prosecuting for the Vehicle Inspectorate, David James said that the case stemmed from an extensive investigation by the VI, Customs and Excise and the police which started last July after the VI had received Information from Greater Manchester Police. A search warrant was issued and documents were seized. It was alleged that Fernyhough had fraudulently used registration marks on four vehicles which had never been registered; the investigation centred on purported Sand 1-rag vehicles which were one and the same.
The company, which was no longer trading, was accused of using the same vehicles without current vehicle excise licences; James alleged that registration plates were switched between vehicles to avoid the registration regulations. Tachograph records that had been seized appeared to bear no relation to the journeys concerned.
Indicating that the prosecution considered the case could be dealt with by the magistrates rather than at a crown court, James pointed out that there was a maximum fine of £5,000 for each offence.
The magistrates agreed that they could hear the case and adjourned it until 18 August.