A DRIVING instructor from Wirral who failed standards test three times and lost his accreditation carried on regardless teaching pupils.

John Kwok Keung Lee appealed against losing his certification and after a tribunal dismissed his application he stopped taking on new clients - but continued with existing ones for eight months.

He came unstuck however when a driving test examiner at the Norris Green test centre raised the alarm and the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency began inquiries.

Liverpool Crown Court heard he had a valid driving instructor certificate from January 2016 to January 2020 but this was removed from the register of approved driving instructors in October 20 last year.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, said: "He had failed to pass a standards check on three occasions and returned his instructor's licence to the agency".

Investigations revealed that his car had been used for 58 driving tests between October 21 and April 20 this year.

Three of those clients were interviewed and it found that he had received a total of about £2,650 from them alone.

Lee, 61, who is Chinese, of Storeton Road in Prenton pleaded guilty to fraud.

He had been an instructor for ten years and was good at his job but his pass rate was not as good because "he took on a lot of middle aged and elderly Asian and Chinese people," said Ken Heckle, defending.

He had been frank and admitted that as he lost his certification not long before Christmas he carried on with his existing clients as he felt he could not tell his family "Christmas is not happening.

"There was terrible temptation in October last year and he carried on.

"He blames no one else other than himself.”

Mr Heckle said the Lee, who has no previous convictions and had played a useful role in the community, has since passed the standards check but unfortunately the court proceedings were then underway and so he could not get his certificate back.

He has a strong work ethic and is now hoping to use his skills as a taxi driver but approval though was dependant on the outcome of the case, said Mr Heckle.

Imposing an 18 month community order Judge Brian Cummings, QC, described the circumstances as "unusual."

He said that the precise amount of money Lee took from customers after losing his certification was unclear but he was being sentenced on the basis it was between £5,000 - £20,000.

"I accept the loss of your good name is a serious matter at your stage of life and background," added the judge.

He ordered Lee to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and ten days rehabilitation activities.