Issue Date:  -  Monday, 19 September 2005

Unlicensed motor vehicle dealer pleads guilty

A smash repairer who sold vehicles and car parts without a motor vehicle dealers licence has pleaded guilty to unlicensed dealing in the Perth Magistrates Court.

Musa Sabeeh Al-Samahi, of Mirrabooka, 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.

He traded as “Almhdi Motor Wreckers Repair” and “Almahdi Smash Repair” in Malaga.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said Mr Al-Samahi had systemically set about undermining laws in place to safeguard consumers and the industry.

“Licensed dealers are bound by statutory and implied warranties under the Act to ensure vehicles are roadworthy, mechanically sound and safe,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Al-Samahi applied for his motor vehicle dealers licence after the Consumer Protection investigation was commenced. The Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board granted him the licence in August 2004.

“This case sends a clear message to unlicensed dealers - applying for a dealers licence will not stop us investigating and prosecuting you for unlicensed dealing,” Mr Walker said.

On Friday, Magistrate Jones imposed a six-month community based order on Mr
Al-Samahi, with a requirement to do 100 hours unpaid community work, and to pay $1588.50 in costs.

Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.