The last batch of Liverpool drivers who paid a corrupt court official to illegally wipe points from their licences have been jailed.
In all, 28 customers and bogus Liverpool magistrates’ court worker David Kelly were sent to prison for more than 26 years for what police described as “blatant abuse” of the justice system.
This week, five people who availed themselves of the scam – said to be an open secret in Liverpool’s pubs and clubs – were convicted by a jury of perverting justice and fraud by false representation.
They include fugitive drug dealer Steven Blundell, 34, who was convicted in his absense.
The Halewood heroin baron is thought to have fled abroad after vanishing in April, just days before he was due to be sentenced over his leading role in a £1m drug ring.
Blundell, 34, of Leathers Lane, will be sentenced in Exeter when he is caught over the drugs matter.
The others convicted by a jury at Preston crown court are: Lee Cody, 32, of Capstick Crescent, Belle Vale - 18 months; Emma Sharkey, 29, of Edenfield Crescent, Huyton – eight months; Leon Wong, 30, of Carter Street, Toxteth – 12 months; Terence Nash, 27, of Marnwood Road, Kirkby – who fled halfway during his trial and is now wanted on warrant – 16 months.
Between 2004 and 2010, drivers faced with disqualification paid cash to middlemen, with forms sent from the court to the DVLA in Swansea illegally requesting that convictions be deleted.
Those detained include so-called reformed city mobster Stephen “The Devil” French, who was jailed for 10 months after he admitted paying to have convictions for speeding, jumping traffic lights and using a mobile phone erased from his licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil McEwan, today said: "We are quite clear, no one is above the law, the sentences given to these people sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of fraudulent behaviour that serves to undermine the criminal justice system.
“This blatant abuse could have had serious implications for other road users.
“The public quite rightly have high expectations of those who work within the criminal justice system. Public corruption is an extremely serious offence that undermines public faith in the integrity of those who work in the criminal justice system. "The investigation into this matter took more than three years and I would like to thank all of those involved for their hard work in bringing all of these people to justice."
Rogue Dale Street court official David Kelly, 47, was jailed for six years last month for his “betrayal” of the criminal justice system in wiping points from drivers’ licences.
A court was told the agents were most likely middlemen linked to Liverpool’s criminal underworld, who would take a cut of the cash paid by the clerk’s customers.
The ECHO understands police believe there could be dozens more of Kelly’s customers to track down – who all paid to avoid disqualification from the roads.
It is known that Kelly helped 71 people – from all walks of society – in removing details of their convictions, disqualifications and penalty points on 110 occasions between 2004 and 2010.
Those convicted as customers of the driving points racket include former amateur boxing champion Lee Siner, members of the Ungi family and waste firm boss Jonathan Gaskell.
Dana Gledhill, Senior Crown Prosecutor said: “I am pleased that the final defendants in the driving licence points conspiracy have been brought to justice.
“They sought to undermine the criminal justice system by paying to have endorsements removed from their driving licences.
“We have worked with Merseyside police to bring a strong case against them, and they must now face up to the consequences of their actions.”
A total of 29 people, including David Kelly, were charged as part of the investigation, launched in August 2010.
An HMCTS Spokesperson said: "HM Courts & Tribunals Service does not tolerate corruption. Following a thorough internal investigation we have introduced more robust processes and controls to prevent or detect any abuse of this kind.
"In this case we have worked closely with the police to bring a member of staff and other offenders to justice."
In all, 28 customers and bogus Liverpool magistrates’ court worker David Kelly were sent to prison for more than 26 years for what police described as “blatant abuse” of the justice system.
This week, five people who availed themselves of the scam – said to be an open secret in Liverpool’s pubs and clubs – were convicted by a jury of perverting justice and fraud by false representation.
They include fugitive drug dealer Steven Blundell, 34, who was convicted in his absense.
The Halewood heroin baron is thought to have fled abroad after vanishing in April, just days before he was due to be sentenced over his leading role in a £1m drug ring.
Blundell, 34, of Leathers Lane, will be sentenced in Exeter when he is caught over the drugs matter.
The others convicted by a jury at Preston crown court are: Lee Cody, 32, of Capstick Crescent, Belle Vale - 18 months; Emma Sharkey, 29, of Edenfield Crescent, Huyton – eight months; Leon Wong, 30, of Carter Street, Toxteth – 12 months; Terence Nash, 27, of Marnwood Road, Kirkby – who fled halfway during his trial and is now wanted on warrant – 16 months.
Between 2004 and 2010, drivers faced with disqualification paid cash to middlemen, with forms sent from the court to the DVLA in Swansea illegally requesting that convictions be deleted.
Those detained include so-called reformed city mobster Stephen “The Devil” French, who was jailed for 10 months after he admitted paying to have convictions for speeding, jumping traffic lights and using a mobile phone erased from his licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil McEwan, today said: "We are quite clear, no one is above the law, the sentences given to these people sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of fraudulent behaviour that serves to undermine the criminal justice system.
“This blatant abuse could have had serious implications for other road users.
“The public quite rightly have high expectations of those who work within the criminal justice system. Public corruption is an extremely serious offence that undermines public faith in the integrity of those who work in the criminal justice system. "The investigation into this matter took more than three years and I would like to thank all of those involved for their hard work in bringing all of these people to justice."
Rogue Dale Street court official David Kelly, 47, was jailed for six years last month for his “betrayal” of the criminal justice system in wiping points from drivers’ licences.
A court was told the agents were most likely middlemen linked to Liverpool’s criminal underworld, who would take a cut of the cash paid by the clerk’s customers.
The ECHO understands police believe there could be dozens more of Kelly’s customers to track down – who all paid to avoid disqualification from the roads.
It is known that Kelly helped 71 people – from all walks of society – in removing details of their convictions, disqualifications and penalty points on 110 occasions between 2004 and 2010.
Those convicted as customers of the driving points racket include former amateur boxing champion Lee Siner, members of the Ungi family and waste firm boss Jonathan Gaskell.
Dana Gledhill, Senior Crown Prosecutor said: “I am pleased that the final defendants in the driving licence points conspiracy have been brought to justice.
“They sought to undermine the criminal justice system by paying to have endorsements removed from their driving licences.
“We have worked with Merseyside police to bring a strong case against them, and they must now face up to the consequences of their actions.”
A total of 29 people, including David Kelly, were charged as part of the investigation, launched in August 2010.
An HMCTS Spokesperson said: "HM Courts & Tribunals Service does not tolerate corruption. Following a thorough internal investigation we have introduced more robust processes and controls to prevent or detect any abuse of this kind.
"In this case we have worked closely with the police to bring a member of staff and other offenders to justice."
I find many useful things herewith. It is really amazing for us.Driving lessons Liverpool Where ever we are, just click on the website and Take advantage .Your article impressed me very heartily.
ReplyDeleteThe initial thing you need to consider while you choose a driving school is to check out whether the driving school is approved by the government. You will easily find a number of non-accredited driving schools, but the greatest disadvantage of these schools is that they do not offer any other benefits and non-accredited.
ReplyDeleteDriving Schools A to Z
You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will go along with your opinion. Thanks!
ReplyDeletedriving lessons Liverpool