Car dealer to pay compo after selling crashed vehicles

A car dealer found guilty of breaking consumer protection laws by selling previously crashed vehicles has been warned that he must pay compensation.

Brian Fassnidge, formerly operating at Motorcity, Naas Rd, Dublin 22, was convicted of four offences under consumer protection legislation in relation to two vehicles.

Mr Fassnidge was prosecuted at Dublin District Court after an investigation by the National Consumer Agency (NCA).

He was convicted on September 30 under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 of misleading consumers in relation to the sale of crashed cars. He was also found guilty breaching the General Products Safety Directive of supplying a dangerous product, the first conviction under the directive.

He had been ordered to pay compensation to two people, and to discharge the prosecution’s costs.

Carl Hanahoe BL, for the NCA, told Judge John O’Neill yesterday that since September 30 payments have not been received and he asked the court to proceed with sentencing.

The amount being sought was not disclosed during the proceedings yesterday.

Counsel defending pleaded with the court for more time and explained that Mr Fassnidge had to vacate his premises, has no income and it was unlikely that his remaining stock would be sold until January.

The court also heard that Mr Fassnidge was apologetic and would make “best endeavours”.

The prosecution barrister said that the agency was “primarily concerned with recovery for the two consumers”.

If that could be facilitated by the sale of Mr Fassnidge’s outstanding stock, there was consent to the adjournment sought by the defence, he said.

However, the NCA’s lawyer added, “we don’t want to be chasing ghosts”.

Judge O’Neill allowed the adjournment and agreed to mark the case peremptory against the accused, who did not address the court yesterday.

“It would be to Mr Fassnidge’s advantage if the compensation were paid,” the judge warned.

The case resumes on January 26.