Fraudster from Barking tried to take someone else’s driving test for them

The owner of a car-washing business who tried to take someone else’s driving test for him has escaped jail.

Halit Ferizolli, of Barking, attempted to take a test on behalf of an acquaintance after getting into financial difficulties.

The Kosovan immigrant, who came to the UK in 2000 after being orphaned during the region’s war, owed money and was asked to take the test, his defence lawyer said.

Ferizolli, 23, tried to dupe instructors at Wanstead Driving Test Centre in an effort to secure the licence.

Barkingside Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that he was splitting his time between his council house in St Margarets, and Ipswich, where his partner lives with the couple’s two-year-old son.

Defending, Emma Hobbs said: “There were drink issues involved because of stress.

“Money was owed and he was asked to do this. He begs the court for one last opportunity.”

She added that her client was trying to turn his life around, explaining that he now runs a car-washing business in Basildon, Essex, and has not been drinking alcohol in the past month.

Ferizolli pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to fraud by false representation.

Handing him a three month prison sentence, suspended for one year, and 80 hours of unpaid work, District Judge Gary Lucie warned Ferizolli over his future conduct.

“These are very serious offences,” he said. “They are a danger to public safety.

“I could disqualify you from driving. Do something so stupid again and you will find yourself with a long disqualification.”