A car dealer has been fined £5,000 for selling a car with a false service history.

Presley Ogbondah, director of MPH Cars Ltd in Billet Lane, Hornchurch, failed to check the history of a car he sold, which turned out to be falsified.

After the vehicle had been purchased, its new owner noticed loud knocking noises coming from the engine. Following some attempts to have the vehicle repaired, it was discovered that a replacement engine was needed at considerable cost.

The owner contacted the main dealership and discovered the service history supplied with the vehicle was false and the car had not been serviced by them at all.

Although Ogbondah had not falsified the history himself, he pleaded guilty to engaging in a commercial practice which was a misleading action contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

Appearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 7, he was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs, as well as £3,000 compensation to the consumer. (Source: Romford Recorder)