Issue Date:  -  Monday, 21 November 2005

Unlicensed motor vehicle dealer re-sentenced and fined - Musa Sabeeh Al-Samahi

A smash repairer who sold vehicles and car parts without a motor vehicle dealers licence has been fined $2,000 in the Perth Magistrates Court today, replacing a community based order that had been imposed in September.

Musa Sabeeh Al-Samahi of Mirrabooka must also pay costs of almost $1,600.

Trading as Almahdi Motor Wreckers Repair and Almahdi Smash Repair in Malaga, Mr Al-Samahi leased commercial premises, registered business names and placed advertisements in newspapers in the pursuit of buying and selling at least 41 vehicles from September 2002 to August 2004.

Previously he had pleaded guilty and been sentenced to undertake a six-month community based order (CBO) with a requirement to do 100 hours of unpaid community work, and to pay $1588.50 in costs.

The imposition of a CBO was not an available penalty for the offence and he was re-sentenced today following an application from Consumer Protection.

“We are remaining vigilant and committed to pursuing those who flout laws that are in place to not only protect consumers, but to maintain a level playing field for those traders who do the right thing”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

Of the 100 hours ordered under the original sentence, Mr Al-Samahi had completed 80 hours, which was taken into account by the Magistrate when handing down today’s fine.