A TRICKSTER who paid an imposter to take his driving theory test after failing five times has been sent to prison.

Mahadi Ahmed, 22, from Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, admitted two charges of fraud by false representation.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how the Kurdish man had turned to crime after repeatedly failing the theory part of his test.

Following his final failed attempt on March 14 this year, Ahmed claimed he had been approached by a complete stranger at the test centre who offered to take the theory test in return for £100.

The imposter passed first time but staff became suspicious and when Ahmed returned to take the practical test, he was arrested.

In his defence, Paul Hester said his client had not sought to blatantly deceive the authorities and had repeatedly tried to pass the theory test himself but did not speak a word of English.

He added: “There was no degree of sophistication. He is a man of good character who has been in this country four and a half years and has not been involved in any criminality.

“This is at the bottom end of identity fraud; he was approached in unusual circumstances.”

Sentencing Ahmed to two months behind bars, Judge John Beashel told him: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence. The driving test system is there to ensure that drivers know the rules of the road and that they are safe to drive.

“This was a cynical attempt by you to obtain a licence when you were not competent to hold such a licence. The court is satisfied this is a proper case for imprisonment.”