Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 25 January 2000

Unlicensed car salesman fined

A Forrestfield car salesman has been fined $2670 in the Perth Court of Petty Sessions for selling motor vehicles without a salesperson's licence.

Jan Gerard Benedict Peiris pleaded guilty to two charges under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act of being unlicensed.

Mr Peiris had been employed by Motor King Maddington in June 1998, after falsely stating that he held a salesperson's licence, which is required under the Act.

An application for a licence had been lodged by Mr Peiris at the time, but he was disqualified by the board for two years in October 1998, after it was discovered Mr Peiris had a prior conviction for receiving a stolen motor vehicle - a fact not declared in his application.

The car yard was notified of his disqualification and Mr Peiris left, but returned to work two weeks later, claiming the licence matter had been sorted out satisfactorily.

He continued working at Motor King Maddington until April 14, 1999, then moved to another Maddington car yard for a further two months before being recognised at the premises by a Ministry officer.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the car-buying public depended on a licensing system that ensured sales staff were of good character and repute.

"Industry licensing exists partly to make sure that people who want to enter the motor vehicle industry are fit and proper to do so," Mr Walker said.

"That way, consumers can feel more confident when purchasing a vehicle.

"But the Act also ensures that the overall reputation of the industry is not sullied, which is important to all people working within it," Mr Walker said.

People wanting to enter the motor vehicle sales industry must declare any previous convictions on their application forms to the board.

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