Crime Solicitors

Durham County Licensing officers have caught a bogus chauffeur, after a sting operation in which officers posed as potential customers.

Craig Ramshaw, 36, was caught after the council received information suggesting that there was an advertisement of an unlicensed vehicle being available for private hire use on a website, which offered executive and luxury car services for weddings, proms and special occasions.

The website showed a photograph of a Chrysler vehicle – which was not licensed as a private hire vehicle – decked out with ribbons.

On Tuesday 9 August 2016, officers conducted a test purchasing exercise, whereby they posed as members of the public and booked the Chrysler for a journey from Lumley Castle Hotel to Newcastle Airport.

Ramshaw arrived to carry out the booking in the Chrysler, but was stopped by police en route to Newcastle, where it was discovered he was not licensed to act as an operator of private hire vehicles.

He declined to be interviewed in relation to the matter at the time – and later received five letters and one telephone call inviting him to make an appointment to be interviewed.

Although he responded to the letters, by the time of his court appearance he had still not made an appointment to be interviewed about the matter.

At Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 19 June 2017, Ramshaw was charged with operating his vehicle without a private hire licence, allowing his car to be used as a hire vehicle – and not having the correct insurance for private hire use.

Ramshaw pleaded not guilty, but magistrates were satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the case was proved and handed down fines totalling £230, ordered him to pay £500 towards legal costs, as well as £50 investigation costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Ramshaw was also given eight penalty points on his driving licence and was disqualified him from driving, as his licence was already endorsed with six penalty points.

After sentencing, Durham County Council's head of environment, health and consumer protection, Joanne Waller, said:

“This prosecution shows we have zero tolerance towards unlicensed taxi drivers and chauffeurs.

“Private hire licensing allows us to vet potential drivers to make sure they are fit and proper to work in our communities – and to safeguard those who use taxis.

“When people circumvent this process, they damage the reputation of our licensed drivers who provide a high standard of service to their customers.”

Previous to his court appearance in June, Ramshaw had already been prosecuted for three identical offences, which led to the increased fine and the loss of his driving licence.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise at any stage of a motoring offence, including motorcycle crime, anti-social behaviour, speeding offences, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise professional drivers on motoring offences and breaches of licence conditions – including advising on possible disqualification.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.