A phoney driving instructor has been ordered to repay students she taught despite being unqualified.
Joanne Sharples, 40, of Lord's Street, Cadishead, Greater Manchester, admitted six offences of fraud by false representation when she appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 22nd October 2025.
She was sentenced by the same court on Wednesday, 14th January 2026.
Fraud by false representation is an offence under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006. It has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 10 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment. You can read more about fraud by false representation in my earlier guide to the offence.
Separately, it is an offence under section 123 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for any person who is not on the register of approved driving instructors to charge for driving lessons.
Magistrates heard that Sharples had undergone training to become an Approved Driving Instructor, but had failed the exams.
Despite being unqualified, she offered and provided lessons to paying students in the Cadishead, Eccles and Warrington areas.
Andrew Stewardson, prosecuting on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, told the court that six complainants had fallen foul of Sharples' deception.
The frauds took place between February and November 2024, with the learners paying a total of £6,424 for their lessons with Sharples.
Bridgette Hibbert, mitigating, said: "This lady made full admissions. She is a lady of previous good character.
"She has suffered greatly in relation to this case. She has lost this employment and she has three children at home."
Ms Hibbert drew the court's attention to her client's remorse at the situation and desire to make amends.
Magistrates were of the view that the offences were serious enough to justify a community order.
Sharples was made subject to a 12-month order with 120 hours' unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay £6,424 in compensation.
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