A Co Derry car trader who sold a “clocked” car has been fined £500 at Magherafelt Magistrates Court.
In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Stephen McGurk of Leitrim Road, Magherafelt was found guilty of one charge under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The court heard that in June 2012, a consumer purchased a Peugeot 306 car from Stephen McGurk at an industrial estate in Castledawson.
At the time of purchase, the odometer on the vehicle indicated some 82,000 miles.
The consumer later discovered the vehicle had previously travelled in excess of 170,000 miles in October 2011, eight months before he had purchased it.
Commenting on the sentencing Michelle Craig, of the Trading Standards Service, said: “The reality is, if this vehicle had been sold with the true mileage of over 170,000 miles, it would have been much less attractive to prospective purchasers.
“Car clocking aims to lure unsuspecting would-be purchasers into thinking they are purchasing a car on much better terms and as such increasing the profit made by the seller.”
Ms Craig added: “Car traders have a legal responsibility to ensure that the mileage on a car they are offering for sale is accurate. The Trading Standards Service will take formal action against traders who engage in the practice of selling ‘clocked’ cars.”
Anyone who believes they have been sold a ‘clocked’ car should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or visit the Consumerline website.