Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 26 August 2003

Another unlicensed dealer prosecuted

Consumers have one less unlicensed motor vehicle dealer to be concerned about following the Government's beefed up commitment to stamp out back-yard operators.

Earlier this month Robert James Parkinson of Beechboro was convicted of unlicensed dealing and ordered to pay $58,000.

The most recent conviction is former Car Dealer/Wrecker Stephen Charles Raisin (54) who operated a wrecking business in Belmont and has been convicted of unlicensed dealing in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions.

Mr. Raisin had previously been disqualified by the Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board in August 2003 from holding or obtaining a licence until further order of the Board.

Mr. Raisin had been a licensed dealer, but when he purchased an existing wrecking business he failed to notify the Board and used the previous dealer's licence number to continue to trade and acquire vehicles.

His illegal activity was carried out prior to the new penalties being implemented on 1 September 2002. As a consequence his total fine was $2,220 plus $250 costs.

Consumer Protection has investigations continuing into several other unlicensed dealers.

"We very much appreciate the advice our investigators receive from within the motor vehicle industry and from consumers about illegal activities", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Unlicensed dealing puts consumers at risk and can damage the reputation of reputable operators who are doing the right thing and we will continue to prosecute those operating outside of the law ", he said.