False bank statements lead to revocation
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A COMPANY THAT failed to appear at a public inquiry over the falsification of bank statements has had its licence revoked.
Atlas International Trucking produced false Halifax bank statements when renewing its licence. The firm's sole director, Michael O'Driscoll, has also been disqualified from holding an 0-licence for two years. The company, which held a licence authorising one vehicle and 16 trailers, had been called before the South Eastern & Metropolitan Deputy Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington. However, the firm did not send a representative.
The DTC said two letters from a transport consultant representing O'Driscoll admitted the Halifax statements were false, but claimed O'Driscoll was unaware they had been sent to the TC by a Mr Plum in February 2003. The consultant claimed the company had never banked with Halifax.
The DTC added that no real evidence was presented and the weight he attached to the hearsay evidence was limited because it could not be tested.
It was not disputed that the letter sent with the statements was on the firm's headed paper and was signed by O'Driscoll. He was satisfied O'Driscoll knew that the bank statements were false when they were sent.