The owners and associates of a Caerphilly county borough motor trading company have been prosecuted for a series of offences, following an investigation by Trading Standards.
Darren Charles Marshall, Matthew David Peachey and David Paul Jones were prosecuted for offences related to the supply of incorrectly described vehicles from MDS Motors of Llanbradach.
The cars were bought as insurance write-offs, but sold to unsuspecting consumers as being cars with a clear history.
The offenders also used statements on their invoices that restricted the ability of the consumers to get their money back when they discovered faults with the cars.
Two further offences related to the sale of a car on the roadside by David Paul Jones when he failed to identify to the consumer that he was actually a car trader, and a failure to maintain professional diligence offence against Darren Charles Marshall for failing to honour a commitment to pay a bill for repair undertaken at another garage with his agreement.
Following a two-day trial, Darren Charles Marshall was ordered to pay £1,287 compensation to a consumer, Matthew David Peachey was ordered to pay £1,287 compensation to another consumer, and David Paul Jones was ordered to pay a £500 fine with £200 costs.
An offence was also proven against Simon Richard Marshall at an earlier hearing, who was ordered to pay at £300 fine with £100 costs.
All offences were under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, and in total, 9 offences were charged.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, Cabinet Member for the Environment said, “Our Trading Standards team are there to ensure a fair trading environment within the county borough for consumers, local trade and business. Consumers should be treated fairly and receive what they are entitled to, and our Trading Standards team are extremely proactive in ensuring that this is the case.”
She continued, I am pleased to see such a successful result to this prosecution and trust that it will act as a warning to others that they will not get away with committing unfair and illegal practices.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team investigated after complaints were received from consumers, involving three separate vehicles.
For further information, contact Trading Standards on 01495 235 291.
