Man jailed for working illegally as cab driver for six months
He had driven without a chauffeur permit, licence, or insurance
A man who worked illegally as a cab driver while awaiting the outcome of his appeal against the rejection of his residency permit has been jailed for six months for driving without a licence, insurance and a chauffeur permit.
Indian national Ajay Sirikanti, 29, admitted to using a forged residence permit and driving licence, driving without a licence or insurance, and working as a cab driver on and before September 10.
Magistrate Charmaine Galea heard that Sirikanti had cooperated with the police, admitted guilt at an early stage, and had no previous convictions.
Police Inspector Karl Roberts, who prosecuted the case together with Inspector James Turner, noted that the principal immigration officer intended to deport Sirikanti.
He suggested a suspended sentence would allow this process to proceed, with legal aid lawyer Sarah Ciliberti agreeing.
However, the magistrate stressed that driving without a licence or insurance is a serious offence, and she did not agree with handing down a suspended sentence.
Inspector Roberts added that many third-country nationals (TCNs) face similar challenges.
He explained that when their residency permit renewals are refused, they have the right to appeal but are not permitted to work during the appeal period — which can stretch to three years — leaving them unable to sustain themselves. He also noted that the forged documents presented by Sirikanti were clearly fake.
After giving the accused time to reconsider his plea, the magistrate sentenced him to six months in prison, fined him €500, and banned him from driving for one year.