A fake driving instructor who gave paid tuition to a learner driver in Chester has been ordered to pay more than £2,000.

Kenneth Nicholas Pugh, 65, of Pengwem, Llangollen, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of dishonestly purporting to be an instructor and giving a paid lesson to a learner driver.

A trial was held at Chester Magistrates Court on May 8, but Pugh failed to turn up, and the matter was proved in his absence.

Appearing for sentencing on Wednesday, July 17, Pugh was ordered to pay £1,385 compensation.

The court heard that between August 16, 2021 and April 30, 2023, Pugh had claimed to Sabil Chowdhury that he was a licensed instructor, despite not being named in the register of approved instructors.

The offences were said to have happened at St Marks Road, Chester.

As well as being ordered to pay compensation, Pugh was ordered to pay £500 costs and a £120 fine, plus a £34 victim surcharge.

Pugh also admitted a charge of failing to surrender to custody on May 31, for which he was fined £50.