Test certificate racket leads to jail sentences
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
E by Charles Young
Two Vehicle Inspectorate staff and a man who presented trucks for test have been jailed for two-and-a-half years for their involvement in issuing fraudulent test certificates at the VI's HGV testing station in Purfleet, Essex. On Wednesday 31 March Chelmsford Crown Court convicted the three of conspiracy to corrupt.
As well as the jail sentences. VI tester Richard Davey had assets of £12,236 confiscated. His colleague Brian Sinfield lost 126,000; the man presenting the trucks had £76,000 seized.
The VI and Essex Police launched an investigation after the VI learned it was possible to obtain test certificates for defective vehicles from the Purfleet Test Station.
The testers were arrested in November 1997 and were suspended without pay. Davey resigned in October 1998; disci plinary proceedings against Sinfield are likely to conclude with his dismissal.
Inspectorate chief executive Maurice Newey says: "While I regret that two members of staff colluded to defeat VI systems which are designed to ensure fair and impartial testing, I remain confident that those whom we serve invariably receive a professional testing service."
He adds: "While some would say the conviction of two members of staff represents a black mark against the Inspectorate, I hope the thoroughness of the investigation and the remedial action taken since demonstrates our commitment to quality and professionalism."