Northern Ireland

Hauliers in Omagh receive suspended sentences for tampering with safety equipment

Members of Michael Doherty Haulage Ltd manipulated equipment that restricts the hours that lorry drivers can stay on the road, which the PSNI called a ‘highly dangerous’ practice

Members of the Omagh haulage firm, Michael Doherty Ltd, were fined for manipulating Tachograph equipment, which regulates the hours lorry drivers are legally allowed to drive. PICTURE: DOHERTY GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE
Members of the Omagh haulage firm, Michael Doherty Ltd, were fined for manipulating Tachograph equipment, which regulates the hours lorry drivers are legally allowed to drive. PICTURE: DOHERTY GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE
By Allan Preston

MEMBERS of a haulage company in Omagh have received suspended sentences for tampering with safety equipment designed to protect road users.

During a joint investigation between the PSNI, DVA enforcement and HMRC, a search of the Michael Doherty Haulage Ltd premises in Omagh in April 2016 uncovered the manipulation of Tacograph recording equipment fitted to some vehicles.

The devices record information about driving time, speed and distance and are used to make sure drivers and employers follow the rules on drivers’ hours.

Director Michael Doherty (45) and Transport Manager Patrick Doherty (56) had both pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Laganside Crown Court to encouraging fraud by false representation, nine counts of aiding and abetting fraud by false representation and entering into an arrangement to acquire criminal property.

Guilty pleas had also been entered to encouraging fraud by false representation, nine counts of aiding and abetting fraud by false representation, and acquiring criminal property on behalf of Michael Doherty Haulage Limited by director Michael Doherty.

Michael Doherty, the firm's Managing Director, received a two year suspended sentence.
Michael Doherty, the firm's Managing Director, received a two year suspended sentence.

Patrick Doherty was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and Michael Doherty to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Earlier this month, the company was issued with a confiscation order to make a payment of £247,028 as well as a fine of £72,000.

Police said a significant number of company records had been seized in the investigation, which showed the company and a number of drivers were “actively involved” in manipulating tachographs, allowing drivers to extend their duty beyond the maximum permitted for road safety.

“By using manipulation devices, the odometer, speedometer and speed limiter on the lorry can all be disabled,” a spokesperson said.

“The driver, who is already exceeding his permitted driving hours, is therefore in control of a vehicle weighing up to 44 tonnes while having no indication of speed.

“This is a highly dangerous activity which poses a significant risk to all road users, as well as creating an unfair economic advantage over other companies in the haulage industry.”