Wellington man caught with fake driving licence handed community order

George Dogaru, of Regent Street in Wellington, pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing a false identity document, after he was caught using a fake licence in summer 2019.

Dogaru, 31, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced, represented by Miss Debra White.

She told the judge that Dogaru felt "genuine remorse" for what he had done, and that he was the main breadwinner for his family.

She also pointed out that in police interviews Dogaru made it clear that he was not a fluent English speaker and struggled to understand some questions, but officers continued with the interviews anyway.

Miss White said that was "inappropriate" and Judge Anthony Lowe agreed that police should take any necessary steps to make sure interviewees understand what they are being asked. The judge asked that his remarks be passed on to the officers in the case.

He gave Dogaru a community order, compelling him to do 150 hours of unpaid work and pay the prosecution's costs.

He said that the case should have been dealt with "this time last year".