A fraudster who took over 36 driving theory tests on behalf of other people as part of an ‘organised crime’ ring has been jailed.

Satwinder Singh pocketed up to £1,500 each time he took the test - which costs just £23 – at test centres across the country - including in Reading and Bucks.

The 34-year-old took so many tests over four years that the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) put out a picture of Singh at test centres in a bid to catch him.

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He was finally arrested when he tried to take a test at a Pearson and Reed test centre in Reading on June 6 using a provisional driving licence under the name of Amritpal Singh.

Judge Heather Norton sentenced Singh, of Rheidol Avenue, Clase in Swansea, to 12 months imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, October 5.

The court heard that on June 6 at the test centre, a member of staff noted Singh did not look like the pictured driver and recognised him from the CCTV released by the DVSA as part of ‘Operation Invincible’.

He was apprehended and eventually arrested. At first, Singh continued to identify himself as Amritpal Singh but police found the keys to a Range Rover car on his person. 

The luxury car was registered under his real name and he later admitted to impersonating Armrtipal, an alleged friend, to take the test on his behalf for £400.

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He admitted to doing this on at least 35 other occasions dating back to May 2019. The other test centres he targeted were in locations including Manchester, Sheffield, Southgate, Oxford, Aylesbury, Guildford, Staines and Bristol.

Prosecutor Sarita Bashir Singh had estimated that he made about £20,000 altogether.

Defending Singh, his barrister said that although his client has admitted to fraud, he denies being the organiser of the scheme.

“The defendant does not admit the scheme was his, the organisation, finding clients,” he said. “There was quite plainly organisation here but the prosecution has put no evidence forward that Mr Singh was the organiser.”

Sentencing, Judge Norton said: “There is a great deal of mitigation that has been put forward on your behalf.

“I’ve read about the difficult start you have had in this country and you’re someone who has worked with and has been supported by your community who speaks highly of you.

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“However, there are aggravating factors. These were offences committed for financial gain.”

She added his offences created a risk for road users by potentially enabling unqualified drivers onto the roads.