A used car dealer has admitted dozens of offences after misleading buyers with false advertising, including listings on Autotrader, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over consumer protection in the second-hand car market.
Sheeth Adam, 40, of Rykneld Road in Derby, pleaded guilty to 41 charges linked to fraudulent trading practices. The offences were committed while operating under Premium Car Sales (Burton) Limited, as well as trading under the names Elite Car Sales and Castle Car Sales.
He appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, with the case stemming from 16 complaints submitted to Staffordshire Trading Standards between August 2024 and March 2025.
Prosecutors said customers were repeatedly misled by adverts that described vehicles as well maintained and in good condition, claims that were later found to be inaccurate. In some cases, the cars sold were unsafe to drive.
Two of the complaints involved vehicles deemed dangerous and unroadworthy following independent inspections. One case involved a Dacia Sandero sold to a buyer in South Wales, which was later found to have a long-term oil leak and contaminated brake fluid. A Hyundai i30 was also ruled unsafe, having been sold with an undisclosed MOT advisory despite being advertised as fully maintained with a valid MOT.
The total value of the vehicles involved exceeded £26,000, with most cars priced between £950 and £2,500. Prosecutor Lucy Daniels told the court that many of the vehicles were between 10 and 15 years old and close to the end of their usable lifespan.
Customers reported a range of issues shortly after purchase, including mechanical faults and invalid MOT certificates. Several said they were blocked from contacting the business when attempting to raise complaints or seek refunds.
The court also heard allegations of aggressive conduct. One disabled customer was reportedly grabbed and mistreated by staff, while another received a threatening phone call after raising concerns.
Defence solicitor Richard Bloomfield said Adam had no prior convictions and had been out of the country for part of the period in question, as well as hospitalised at times. He said others involved in the business were driven by commission-based incentives. Bloomfield added that Adam was attempting to repay outstanding debts and was planning to start a new venture focused on higher-value vehicles.
Most of the offences will now be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court. For three charges dealt with at the magistrates’ court, Adam was fined £690 and ordered to pay £966 in costs, along with a victim surcharge.
