A DRIVING instructor who was struck off for "public protection" has been fined and handed a suspended jail term for giving paid lessons.
John McKeown (61) of Woodland Drive, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, was set to contest some charges against him but changed his plea after one allegation was withdrawn earlier this month.
Dungannon Magistrates' Court heard police noticed a silver car escorting a motorcycle in Cookstown on March 12.
McKeown, who was driving the car, denied he was giving paid lessons to the motorcyclist.
However, the motorcyclist said he had paid McKeown £25 for the lesson. The motorcycle belonged to McKeown and his website stated he was accredited.
Another customer reported a similar version of events.
McKeown claimed he was "doing a favour".
A defence barrister admitted this claim showed "slight ambiguity" since money was taken. But he added McKeown knew he should not have acted as he did.
The court was told McKeown's website and Facebook page have been taken down.
District Judge John Meehan told McKeown he was struck off as a driving instructor due to "previous matters".
"Your contempt was simply a defiance of public protection measures," he said.
McKeown was sentenced to three months in jail, suspended for two years, and fined £800.
