False statements on Class 1 hgv application a serious offence, driver told
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• A lorry driver who admitted twice making false statements in order to obtain a Class 1 heavy goods vehicle driving licence was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £70 this week by Wigan Borough magistrates.
Prosecuting for the DoE Mr J. S. Lawton said the defendant, Anthony McLoughlin of Mesnes Ave, Worsley, Mesnes, Wigan applied for a Class 1 licence on February 8, 1972 but in view of the experience shown he was only granted a Class 2 licence. A further application on September 7 for a Class 1 licence showed discrepancies in the particulars given and inquiries followed. It then transpired that the signature on the Certificates of Experience was not of the man concerned, Mr G. K. Jones, a commercial vehicle dealer of Foundry Lane, Pemberton, Wigan.
Mr Lawton added that at the time of the serving of the summons Mr McLoughlin was not the holder of a Class 1 licence because on December 4 he had failed to have a test.
In mitigation Mr McLoughlin said that on the first occasion his employer only filled in the first part of the application form and he filled in the part relating to experience himself. On the second occasion he was told all the records had been moved to Liverpool and as he felt he had the appropriate experience he again filled in the application form himself. As a result he was now unemployed but hoped shortly to take a 14-day course and pass his test. He had been a public service vehicle driver during the relevant period and had also driven outfits at least once a week.
The magistrates' chairman said the offences were very serious and Mr McLoughlin should consider himself lucky they had not decided to send him to prison.