A rogue car dealer from East Tilbury has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence following a prosecution brought by Thurrock Council's Trading Standards team.
Muhammad Bhatti, of Motors For You Ltd, a used car dealership based at Production House, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the sale of unsafe vehicles and six offences of false and misleading advertising.
Bhatti sold a car that was found to be unsafe due to corrosion of the vehicle's frame and issues with other critical safety components. The car had been advertised as being "faultless" despite being in a dangerously poor condition.
Following a complaint about the vehicle, Trading Standards officers inspected cars for sale on Motors For You's forecourt. During the inspection, they found another vehicle that was also not roadworthy. They also identified false advertisements claiming vehicles had full service histories when they did not, as well as cars advertised at prices considerably higher than those listed on the business's website.
In total, Bhatti pleaded guilty to four offences under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 in relation to the two unsafe vehicles, and six offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 relating to the way the vehicles were advertised. He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court last Thursday (27 August). He was sentenced to a six-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council and Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Community Safety and Veterans, said: "This action, and the sentence it has led to for the rogue car trader, shows we will not tolerate anyone seeking to rip off consumers and put safety at risk.
"His guilty plea shows that this individual knew exactly what he was doing when advertising and selling these unsafe vehicles, and the successful prosecution demonstrates that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure anyone seeking to rip off and endanger people in Thurrock is brought to justice."
Anyone with concerns about a second-hand car purchase can report them through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Before buying a car, check online reviews of the trader and use the GOV.UK MOT history check service at check-mot.service.gov.uk to verify the vehicle's mileage and MOT history. Ideally, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic. If a trader refuses to allow an inspection, walk away.