News

A DRIVING instructor who offered a £250 'until you pass' deal had to be chased for money back after failing to deliver.

Mark Strutt, who advertises under Markone-School-of-Motoring on Facebook, offered the deal but several customers claim he stopped responding to texts and phone calls before they passed.

Chelsie Appleby, 20, of Ollerton Road, Athersley North, said she paid him £130 up front and the second half two weeks later.

She said: "He was always on time and really attentive until I paid him the last of my money.

"He then started making excuses like that he had gout, was in London, his wife was in hospital."

She said Mark, who has been a driving instructor for more than nine years, stopped responding when she failed her theory test. She said after months of wrangling he eventually paid back £75.

Mr Strutt said he had suffered health problems and run into financial trouble. He was making amends by 'making every effort' to repay people.

He denied cancelling lessons but said he is no longer taking new customers.