A GANG of dishonest driving instructors and test examiners took �1,000 bribes to pass failed candidates in Barking, a court heard.

Nick Madigan, 38, of Kitkatts Road, Canvey Island, Essex and a second 47-year-old examiner, who cannot be named, handed learners test certificates, sometimes without even taking them out on the road.

Instructors Salima Rashid, 49, Sofia Rasool, 40, and Jasvinder Rai, 36, allegedly put forward learners, including a police community support officer, who were willing to pay to secure passes.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard a shady group of ‘introducers’ approached candidates after they had just failed their practical driving tests at the centre on Tanner Street.

Rashid, of St George’s Avenue, Grays, Essex; Rasool, of London Road, Barking, Essex, and Rai, of The Belfry, Clifford Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, all deny conspiracy to commit bribery between January 1 2007 and June 30 last year.

The trial continues