REVOKED: Private hire driver guilty of submitting altered licence to Uber as Bristol court issues fine
- Perry Richardson
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A private hire driver has been fined after admitting to submitting a fraudulently altered licence to Uber, following a detailed investigation by Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council.
The case stemmed from a December 2023 incident in which the driver uploaded an altered licensing document to the platform. Uber’s internal checks raised concerns and alerted the local authority, prompting police involvement. According to PC Patrick Quinton, the officer responsible for taxi and private hire enforcement in the region, the matter required extensive work before charges could be brought.
After interviewing the driver, officers referred the file to the Crown Prosecution Service. Prosecutors authorised a charge of fraud by false representation, and the case proceeded to Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 28 November 2025. The driver entered a guilty plea and received a £120 fine, £85 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
Police said the investigation involved more than 30 documents and several hours of work by the officers involved. The length of time between the original incident and the court outcome reflects the pressure on the case pipeline, which has been noted across the criminal justice system.
Bristol magistrates impose financial penalties after Avon and Somerset Police investigation confirms document fraud
Bristol City Council revoked the driver’s private hire licence during the investigation. The driver initially appealed the decision, which would have extended the regulatory process, but later withdrew the challenge. The revocation remains in place, removing the driver from licensed work in the city.
PC Patrick Quinton said: “In December 2023, a Private Hire Driver submitted a fraudulently altered licence to Uber. This was flagged to the Council and I, and I commenced a criminal investigation.
“After an interview of the suspect the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised a charge of Fraud by False Representation. Bristol Magistrates heard the case on the 28th November 2025 and following a guilty plea sentenced the offender to a £120 fine, £85 costs and £48 surcharge.
“Myself and a colleague spent many hours on this case, with over 30 documents making up the case file.
“Bristol City Council have revoked the licence of the PHD found guilty of Fraud. The driver appealed that decision, but later withdrew his appeal and remains revoked.”
