Corrupt driving instructor Jawad Joe Dimachki jailed for using bribes to fund escort habit

A corrupt driving instructor who brought shame on his family by running a “cash for licences” scam to fund his use of massage parlours and escorts has been jailed.

• Drivers licence examiner faces court on corruption counts
• Corrupt instructor pleads guilty, secures sentencing discount
• Bribes funded ‘hedonistic extra-curricular activities’, court told

A corrupt driving instructor who brought shame on his family by running a “cash for licences” scam to fund his use of massage parlours and escorts has been jailed.

On Friday, Jawad Joe Dimachki stood with his head bowed as the District Court imprisoned him for six years, with a non-parole period of two years and nine months.

Corrupt driving instructor Jawad Joe Dimachki has been jailed for accepting bribes to pass people’s licences — to fund his use of escort agencies. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

In sentencing, Judge Michael Boylan said Dimachki had rorted the system – and placed the lives of road users at risk – not out of financial need, but personal greed.

“You spent some of the money on massage parlours and escort agencies,” he said.

“You have brought shame upon your family, you have publicly humiliated your wife and your children.

“I have no doubt they will continue to suffer due to your offending and your behaviour.

“One can only hope that the circles in which they move contain people that will lend them the support they will very much need.”

Dimachki, 38, of Daw Park, pleaded guilty to 25 corruption counts in a plea bargain that saw 84 charges dropped.

Judge Boylan said that, between June and September 2017, Dimachki charged his students between $400 and $500 for a guaranteed “pass” regardless of their level of competency.

“In many cases, you recorded a pass when no test had been conducted at all,” he said.

“On occasion, you falsely recorded students had failed in an effort to disguise the high pass rate of your tests.

“You continued to offend until your arrest, which came after your pass rate was discovered.”

He noted Dimachki’s contrition and remorse, as well as his early claim he had offended in order to obtain money for his special-needs son.

“You were not forthcoming (with the truth of your motives) because of the humiliation you would suffer by the reason for your activities being known,” he said.

Judge Boylan said Dimachki’s offending was too grave to consider imposing a suspended sentence.

He also declined to order a home detention sentence.

“(The offending) comprised a course of conduct of systematic corruption in the public service, which put South Australian and Australian road users at risk,” he said.

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