Wrexham man jailed for fake driving licence offences

Pshtiwan Salih, of Talbot Road in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Friday via video link from HMP Berwyn.

The 29-year-old had been convicted previously of two offences; namely possessing/controlling improper identity documents and making/supplying articles for use in fraud, which took place in February and April this year.

David Mainstone, prosecuting, told the court that in April, HM Border Force intercepted a parcel at Heathrow which contained a pair of "entirely fake" Greek driving licences.

The package was connected to Salih, who was arrested at his hone in June.

His mobile phone was analysed and numerous messages found revealed he'd been acting as a "middle-man" in a scheme to supply the fake documents to others.

Mr Mainstone explained the defendant had entered the UK on a "so-called small boat" in August 2022 and claimed asylum the next day.

He was accommodated in Wrexham whilst the application - which as yet is undecided - was made.

Brett Williamson, defending, said: "He was essentially a 'middle-man' or a go-between, taking orders and liaising with the people who wanted these driving licences.

"He wasn't manufacturing them himself.

"He came over from Kurdistan and was in Greece initially - but he did come over on a small boat and left a wife and two daughters in Greece.

"He came, as so many do, to the UK with the hope of making a better life for him and his family."

Mr Williamson said his client is taking English lessons in prison and hopes to become an interpreter.

Pshtiwan Salih (NWP) (Image: NWP)"His mother in Iraq is unwell," he added, "and she knows he is in prison.

"That is a source of some shame to him and he fears for her health."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "Within six months of entering this country, illegally, seeking this country's protection and benefits, after you'd been given accommodation, you were committing crimes which would have had an effect on the insurance industry, road safety and border security."

Judge Parry noted Salih's basis of plea - and said despite the fact he rejected it, the matter would not make a material difference to the sentence he was to receive.

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The Judge told him: "I do not accept your assertions that you were 'so frightened' that you committed these offences.

"By your own admission, you were making threats to kill people who questioned what you were doing and you make reference to your reputation being damaged - something you were apparently proud of.

"And you make reference to receiving 'limited financial benefit' in the form of clothing and meals.

"Whereas in fact, it is clear from your mobile phone that £1,000 was the fee, of which you received four to five hundred pounds; and you were considering whether even that was worth the hassle."

The Judge labelled the offending "a cross-border conspiracy with potentially very serious consequences."

Salih was jailed for 12 months, with Judge Parry adding: "Whether you're released after one half of that is a matter for others.

"That's what would normally happen and you'd be supervised under licence - but your application for asylum continues to be considered.

"It is clearly the view of this court that you're not a fit or suitable person to remain in this country, but that's a matter for other authorities who will no doubt consider the facts of this case."