Monmouthshire car trader fined £600 for selling cars on 'sold as seen' basis

Lee Richards, of Lawrence Crescent, Caerwent, appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by trading standards teams from two local authorities.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of engaging in commercial practice which was a misleading action in that it contained false information.

An investigation by Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen County Borough Councils involved Richards’ car sales business, Monmouthshire Used Car Sales, based at Park Farm, Goytre.

Between June 21 and October 25 of last year, Richards had advertised cars on eBay that were available on a “sold as seen” basis, which is prohibited by consumer protection legislation.

Sally Ann Evans, prosecuting on behalf of Blaenau Gwent council, said that Richards had continued advertising during this four-month period despite being warned by trading standards officers to remove the statements from his adverts.

The court heard that Richards had previously convicted for charge involving dishonesty.

Andrea Nash-Harding, defending, said that her client had traded in such a way because “he didn’t understand the legal requirements”.

She added: “[Richards] had been silly and had only done it to make a bit of extra money.”

Along with his £600 fine, Richards was also ordered to pay £1,135 in investigation costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Councillor Garth Collier, deputy leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said after the hearing: “When consumers buy cars from motor traders they have protection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 that the vehicle shall be fit for the purpose, of satisfactory quality and as described. Customers have rights of redress under the legislation if cars do not comply with these requirements.

“Traders such as Lee Richards’ attempt to avoid these responsibilities by placing restrictive statements in adverts is not only unfair on consumers but also on other traders who act responsibly in accordance with the law.”