Fake driving instructor sentenced

Martin Bowyer taught drivingfor two years

A Staffordshire man who posed as a qualified driving instructor for two years has been ordered to do 200 hours' unpaid work.

Martin Bowyer, 48, of Leek, was given a suspended prison sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after pleading guilty to fraud and having no insurance.

Bowyer charged up to £30 a lesson to teach pupils in his dual-controlled car, the court heard.

The prosecution followed an Driving Standards Agency investigation.

Michelle Moston, from the DSA, said: "Our priority is for road safety and these people are a significant danger to the road safety of themselves and of other road users.

"There was no insurance for the vehicles used by Mr Bowyer and if there had been an accident nobody would have been covered."