MOT fraud: Oakmain sales manager prosecuted over forged solicitors’ letters

The sales manager of Wales-based garage equipment supplier Oakmain Ltd received a suspended custodial sentence on 16 January 2023. Newport Crown Court found that Thomas Richard Woods “knowingly providing false information in the form of forged solicitors letters to secure MOT garage applications” following a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) investigation. The company reportedly also completed the MOT Station application (VT01) form, which is required to set up an MOT test station on behalf of customers. The DVSA described the case as “the first-ever prosecution for providing fraudulent solicitors letters used as part of MOT garage applications.”

Woods was convicted of three charges of providing counterfeit solicitors letters to help secure MOT testing station status. He was given a custodial sentence of 18 months in respect of each of these offences to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months because of his previous good character and personal circumstances. He was also ordered to carry out unpaid work of 220 hours, pay prosecution costs of £4,736.20 together with a victim surcharge of £149. Payment to be made at the rate of £150 per month.

To open an MOT station, an Authorised Examiner (AE) must apply to DVSA using a VT01 application form together with supporting documents including a site plan, test bay drawings, and a solicitor’s letter. The latter is proof that the applicant either owns the land or that they have a licence to occupy, a rental agreement or an enforceable lease with the landowner for the premises.

Specifically, the solicitor’s letter is intended to show proof the business has all the rights it needs to be operating. The judge in this case said that in forging solicitors’ letters Woods had sought to blame other people for his actions, had compromised the MOT system and had also undermined confidence in solicitors.

DVSA reports that examiners first uncovered fraudulent activity after carrying out a regular routine MOT garage audit. The offences were carried out between November 2019 and October 2021.

DVSA’s director of enforcement, Marian Kitson commented: “Applications to be an MOT testing station are made in good faith by the applicants concerned. Motorists need to feel confident they can rely on MOT testing stations to carry out any necessary work and garages using professional services should expect the service to be legitimate. This case shows the DVSA will take action against those who abuse the MOT testing scheme for their own gain.”

The sentence given was assessed as causing harm to Mr Wood’s employer, their clients, DVSA and 2 firms of solicitors.

First established in 1993, Oakmain Ltd describes itself as “a personable, dependable, family run company and have been in business since 1993”, adding: “We take pride in every job that we do no matter how big or small.” The company supplies equipment for: VOSA, main dealers, colleges, prisons, emergency services, coach and transport companies, and small independent workshops.

The former GEA member company reports that it specialises in “vehicle lifts and garage equipment” and is ”one of the leading suppliers of MOT Test Lanes in the UK”.  Other key products include tyre changers, wheel balancers, wheel aligners and vehicle lifts.