The directors and transport managers of two Bilston haulage firms have been disqualified indefinitely from the industry by the West Midlands Traffic Commissioner, Nick Jones.

His decision, which also included an order to revoke the operating licences of Bajwa & Son Midlands Ltd and Gold Care (UK), follows the conclusion of a public inquiry last month.

In a written decision, Jones determined that Jarnail Bajwa had been running both firms, despite the fact that he was already disqualified from doing so for any haulage operator.

He added: "Jarnail Bajwa is an intimidating dangerous figure who has no place whatsoever in any compliant operator licensing system.

"I remind myself that he has already been disqualified indefinitely, but that has not prevented him extending his malign influence.

"He acts by threatening and intimidating where it suits his purpose."

During a hearing last month, Jones was told that Jarnail Bajwa had been given a 20-week prison sentence and a personal restraining order after being found guilty at a trial on March 4, 2016.

At the trial, Bajwa's ex-wife, Kamaljit Kaur, told the court that he was running both businesses and that she had no experience in the industry.

However, prior to the court case, representations made to the Traffic Commissioner on behalf of Kamaljit Kaur suggested that her ex-husband had no role in the business and that there was no direct evidence of his involvement.

After hearing further evidence during the public inquiry, including from drivers, Jones concluded that Jarnail Bajwa had been the controlling mind of both firms.

He also found that transport managers Kamaljit Kaur and Surjit Takhar, who worked for both businesses in that role, had not performed the duties they were supposed to.

As a result, the Traffic Commissioner made findings which mean they are disqualified indefinitely from holding that position.

"Both have attempted to mislead me as to the true state of affairs whereby another person has been controlling transport." said Jones.

The regulator also made orders against two drivers:

• Kuldeep Singh has his professional driving entitlement revoked after falsifying his driving records. He will be disqualified from professional driving until 23:59 on 06 March 2017.
• Fritz Douglas was suspended from professional driving for one month for driving a vehicle with an immediate prohibition (the suspension ended on April 7).