DEVON County Council s Trading Standards Department has been successful in obtaining a Court Order against two Devon residents who sell car parts over the internet.
DEVON County Council's Trading Standards Department has been successful in obtaining a Court Order against two Tiverton residents who sell car parts over the internet.
The Council's trading standards service received a large number of complaints from Ebay customers across the country who had not received the goods they had ordered or were refused refunds to which they were entitled.
Gary Brian King and Anita Jane King of Shillingford, near Tiverton traded on the internet under a range of names including 'GBK Performance Ltd', 'anitajaneking', and 'Autoparts UK' .
Mr and Mrs King have been ordered by Exeter County Court not to contravene the terms of the Supply of Goods Act 1979 and the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000.
At the court hearing on 18 November, the Court was told that despite receiving advice and a warning from Trading Standards the complaints continued. In a hearing on 12 December, the Court adjourned all matters to the first available date after 28 days for the Kings to seek advice and make representations and ordered that an Interim Enforcement Order continue in the meantime
The Interim Court Order, given under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002 regulates their future conduct in any business they may engage in. Failure to obey its terms could lead to proceedings being brought for contempt of court. Devon Trading Standards Service is now applying for the Interim Order to be made into a full order.
Devon County Council's Trading Standards Fair Trading Manager, Peter Greene said, "The activities of these individuals led to a large number of complaints from members of the public who had paid money for goods but did not receive anything. The Order we have obtained should ensure that they do not engage in this type of practice in future. If they do, then they risk being fined and/or sent to prison."
If people have problems purchasing goods or services, or want advice on other consumer matters, they can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. The Consumer Direct website contains clear practical advice on a range of consumer issues at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
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