Posted on the 11th May 2026 in PHTM News
BANNED WHITE HORSE DC DRIVER HANDED SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER FORGING DOCUMENTS TO STAY ON THE ROAD
A former Oxfordshire taxi driver has been convicted of fraud and insurance offences after he went to extreme lengths to fake his credentials.
Stuart Thomas Sharp, 54, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to forging his taxi licence, badge, and vehicle plate to trick an operator into believing he was still legally allowed to work.
The deception came to light in May 2025 after a member of the public reported a man they had previously had an "altercation" with was seen working as a taxi driver.
Sharp was spotted picking up and dropping off a passenger at Radley College in a vehicle equipped with a taxi roof sign and a counterfeit licence plate.
A search of council records revealed that the vehicle had not been licensed with the council since August 2023. The registered keeper and sole insured was Stuart Sharp. Mr Sharp had not been licensed as a ‘taxi driver’ since January 2023.
When council officials later asked him to return his official documents, Sharp claimed he had simply thrown them away.
Councillor Helen Pighills, of the Vale of White Horse District Council, slammed Sharp’s actions, stating: “This case shows a clear attempt to undermine public safety, the licensing regime and bypass important safety checks.”
The council reminded residents that all legitimate drivers must wear an official badge at all times and display a council-issued plate on the rear of their vehicle.
In sentencing, magistrates agreed that these were serious charges, covering a long period of time, with planned deceit, and they set sentencing at the highest category.
Sharp was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and had eight penalty points added to his driving licence for operating without insurance.
He was also required to pay a victim surcharge of £156 and a contribution towards costs of £900, totalling £1,056 and comply with a rehabilitation activity requirement
The conviction follows a separate, unrelated investigation in nearby Summertown, where Oxford City Council and police are looking into reports that a driver punched a man who confronted him for parking in a disabled bay.
Local authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant, with a council spokesperson adding: "If you suspect a taxi is operating illegally, please report it immediately."
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