Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 3 April 2003

Third strike for unlicensed vehicle dealing

Brent Ray Willoughby (40) of Trigg has today pleaded guilty in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions to unlicensed dealing under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and has been fined $1,500 with $15,700 in daily penalties and $300 costs.

The maximum fine could have been $3,000 plus $100 per day making it around $20,000 for the offences over that period of time.

Amendments to the Act will see future offenders face fines of up to $50,000 and penalties of $1,000 per day.

This prosecution follows two previous convictions for similar offences in 1991 and 1995.

"We take unlicensed dealing very seriously as it can put consumers at great risk", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

Between February 2002 and August 2002 Mr. Willoughby:

* Purchased thirteen vehicles that had been written off by insurance companies

* Sold two vehicles

* Sold wrecked vehicle parts on at least thirty seven occasions

* Advertised in local newspapers the sale of vehicles, parts and panels on at least twenty three occasions

"Mr. Willoughby applied to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board for a salesman's licence in 1996 but was refused on the grounds of previous convictions.

"He showed disregard for both the law and the welfare of consumers when he decided to proceed without a licence and trade in vehicles and parts", Commissioner Walker said.