This week, Judge John Brennan of Dublin District Court convicted former Dublin car trader, Mr Jonathan McSherry, and sentenced him to three months in prison for providing a consumer with false information in relation to the mileage of a car.

The sentencing of Mr McSherry, who was trading at Station Road Autos, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, follows an investigation and subsequent prosecution by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The CCPC opened this investigation to determine whether Mr McSherry had engaged in a misleading commercial practice contrary to the Consumer Protection Act 2007. This followed a complaint to the CCPC from a consumer regarding a vehicle they had purchased from him. 
 
Commenting, Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the CCPC said, “Misleading a consumer in the sale of a car is not only costly to the consumer, but critically, i t could be dangerous. Therefore, we welcome the outcome of today’s proceedings. “If a consumer doesn’t know what the true mileage of a car is, then they can’t accurately judge the true condition of the car or realise that parts which should be in good working order might be at the point where they are about to fail. 

“Traders should take note, that if they mislead consumers about vehicles they are selling or if they sell defective vehicles, they are breaking the law. This year we are stepping up our monitoring of the vehicle sector, and will use our powers to challenge and take enforcement action, including prosecution, against traders found to be misleading consumers.

If anyone has information regarding a trader, that they believe has provided false information about a car’s condition or mileage, they should contact the CCPC’s consumer helpline on 1890 432 432 or email us at ask@ccpc.ie. Extensive information about what to look out for when buying a car is available from the CCPC’s website, www.consumerhelp.ie.”