Father and son were operating illegal business

Raymond Pedlow was sentenced to two years six months, suspended for three years, for illegally operating a tachograph centre (Pedlow Tachograph Centre) at Craigavon Crown Court on Wednesday, November 20.

At the same court, his son, Barry Pedlow, who was employed by the company, also pleaded guilty to installing or calibrating the equipment, and was ordered to serve to an immediate custodial sentence consisting of two years six months, one year three months in custody and one year three months on license.

A confiscation order is being sought against the father and son.

The charges related to a joint investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) into the operation of Pedlow Tachograph Centre, 72 Annesborough Road, Lurgan.

The company had previously lost its licence in 2006 to install or calibrate tachograph equipment but continued to operate.

During the joint operation invoices were seized for the period March 2006 to October 2010.

It emerged that some 1,100 vehicles had tachograph equipment fitted or calibrated illegally by the ccompany bringing it in income of over £120,000. Over 35 hauliers were identified and provided statements during the joint investigation and a large number of the other vehicles were checked.

The two defendants were jointly charged under The Common Law Offence of Conspiracy to Defraud. The Crown was represented by Philip Henry.