Haulage firm directors and drivers face legal consequences after tachograph manipulation. Northern Ireland’s Road Policing Unit leads investigation into the firm’s fraudulent activities. Guilty pleas secured, resulting in suspended sentences and financial penalties. Innovative prosecution under Fraud and Proceeds of Crime Acts. Enforcement highlights risks and unfair advantages in haulage industry.
Haulage directors from Michael Doherty Haulage Limited, based in Omagh, have been handed suspended jail sentences due to their involvement in manipulating tachograph data. This significant legal action follows a meticulous investigation spearheaded by Northern Ireland’s Road Policing Unit along with the Driver Vehicle Agency and HMRC, which uncovered the fraudulent activities of multiple employees within the firm.
During a raid conducted in April 2016, substantial evidence was obtained revealing how the company was complicit in enabling drivers to exceed legally mandated driving hours through tachograph tampering. Director Michael Doherty, aged 45, and Patrick Doherty, aged 56, the Transport Manager, were both found guilty. Their offences included encouraging fraud and aiding and abetting fraudulent activities. Both were sentenced at Laganside Crown Court, with Michael Doherty receiving a two-year suspended sentence and Patrick Doherty a 14-month suspended sentence.
In addition to the jail sentences, Michael Doherty Haulage Ltd was subject to a confiscation order amounting to £247,028 alongside a fine of £72,000. This financial repercussion underscores the severity of the fraudulent actions undertaken by the company’s leadership.
Chief Inspector Dodds, commenting on the investigation, highlighted the grave nature of the offences: “A significant number of company records along with lorries were seized for detailed analysis. The manipulation devices used in the lorries disabled crucial safety features, allowing extended driving beyond permissible hours, thereby posing severe risks to public safety and unfair competitive advantages.”
The prosecution employed an unconventional approach by charging the parties involved under the Fraud and Proceeds of Crime Acts rather than traditional road traffic offences, which typically would have been addressed in the Magistrates’ Court. This strategic decision resulted in handling the case at the Crown Court, thereby ensuring that the seriousness of the crime was aptly reflected in the sentences imposed.
In concluding remarks, authorities stressed the importance of stringent enforcement in the haulage industry to mitigate risks and ensure a level playing field for all operators.
This case exemplifies steadfast enforcement and the imperative of upholding road safety standards.
