A MAN from Poole has been fined after falsely issuing three MOT certificates without performing the test.

Ryan David Mark Newton, 29, of Fernside Avenue, Poole, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud my false representation.

On January 11, 2019, Newton issued an MOT certificate to a Ford Transit van without performing the relevant test.

On the same day, the defendant passed an MOT certificate on a Vauxhall Vivario, again without carrying out the necessary tests.

Then, on January 12, 2019, Newton issued another MOT certificate without carrying out the test to another Ford Transit van.

The offences took place at Upton Auto Centre Ltd in Poole.

Magistrates fined the 29-year-old £1,000 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

He was also issued with a community order, meaning he will be under curfew for 12 weeks, between 8pm and 6am.

A DVSA spokesperson said: “DVSA uses the latest technology to spot MOT fraud.

“We take this very seriously and will act against any offenders who fail to conduct the proper test. MOT fraud puts motorists’ lives at risk and detracts from the integrity of the MOT test.

“Motorists in Dorset are entitled to feel their vehicle is safe to drive when they leave a testing station, confident that all the necessary checks have been carried out. DVSA is pleased to see this outcome and is always vigilant in dealing with MOT fraud.”