Prisons too full - judge tells driving test cheat

Albanian national Elidjan Aliaj was granted a full licence in August 2022 after an impersonator took a test on his behalf at the Grantham test centre

A man who paid an impersonator to pass both his theory and practical driving tests has avoided an immediate custodial sentence because prisons are too full, a judge said.

Albanian national Elidjan Aliaj, 30, was granted a full licence in August 2022 after someone else took a test on his behalf at Grantham test station, Lincoln Crown Court heard on Wednesday.

Aliaj, of Hamilton Street, Mansfield, admitted three charges of fraud and was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Judge James House KC told Aliaj he "deserved to go to jail" but could not do so because "His Majesty's prisons are currently full to bursting".

'Risk to others'

During the first visit in May 2022, the court heard the person attending in Aliaj's place was turned away after suspicions were raised.

However, Silas Lee, prosecuting, said a second visit on 19 July 2022 resulted in a successful theory test pass.

The defendant was then granted a full driving licence after an impersonator successfully passed a practical test on 1 August 2022.

"The potential risk was to other road users ultimately by someone who has not passed the relevant tests," Mr Lee added.

The court heard Aliaj was questioned after suspicions were raised as a result of the registration plate of the car used in the practical test, but he denied any dishonesty.

In mitigation, it heard Aliaj was the lone breadwinner for his pregnant wife, who was due to give birth in two weeks.

Passing sentence, Judge House told the defendant that his fraud posed a risk to other road users, and provided him with UK identification.

"Sending you to prison will cause more problems than it is worth, despite that you deserve it," he said.

In addition to his sentence, Aliaj was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work in the community.

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