Elidjan Aliaj, a 30-year-old Albanian national, has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for paying an impersonator to pass his driving tests. The court heard that Aliaj, who resides in Mansfield, obtained a full driving license in August 2022 after an impersonator successfully completed both his theory and practical tests at the Grantham test centre.
During a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court, it was revealed that Aliaj’s fraudulent activities raised significant safety concerns for other road users. Prosecutor Silas Lee noted that Aliaj’s initial attempt to use an impersonator in May 2022 was thwarted when the individual was turned away due to suspicions. However, on a second attempt in July, the impersonator passed the theory test, leading to Aliaj’s eventual licensure.
Judge James House KC expressed regret that he could not impose an immediate custodial sentence, citing the current overcrowding in UK prisons. He stated, “You deserve to go to jail,” but acknowledged that doing so would create more problems than it would solve. In addition to his suspended sentence, Aliaj was ordered to complete 180 hours of community service.
