The case of false driving licences has reached it judicial conclusion with 102 people sentenced to 1-year, suspended, prison sentences.

The main culprit, Carlos R.C., who is a functionary at the Dirección General de Tráfico, was not present, as his whereabouts is not known and warrant out for his arrest.

The said functionary reportedly sold these false licences for a fee.

A total of 36 defence lawyers represented the 102 accused – the Judge, Esperanza Pérez, apologized for the cramped conditions in the court room. The public gallery had to be used to fit those accused into the court room and the space for the lawyers, judge and court officials had to be filled with extra tables for all the defence lawyers.

The 102 accused persons and had to wait two hours whilst their 36 defence lawyers reached and agreement with the Public Prosecutor over what sentence would be imposed.

The result was each of the accused accepted six months bribery and another six month for documental forgery. Furthermore, each one must pay a fine of 570 euros as well as a fine equal to the amount paid to the functionary at the time.

Carlos R.C., during 2007, charged between 15 and 4,000 euros per licence, taking a total of 116,881 euros.

(News: Jaen, Andalucia)