Mechanic sold customer write-off car

A unsuspecting customer agreed to buy a car from a Black Country mechanic, unaware that it had previously been written off.

When she discovered the truth she asked for her £130 deposit back but Michael Blackstock refused, Sandwell Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Blackstock, who runs MB Spares and Repairs in Cradley Heath, tried to sell a Vauxhall Corsa to the woman but at no point did he tell her it was a category C insurance loss vehicle - a write-off.

The 46-year-old of Throne Road, Rowley Regis pleaded guilty to engaging in a commercial practice which was misleading under the unfair trading regulations and to fraud by failing to disclose information.

Magistrates ordered him to complete 200 hours unpaid work, pay £130 in compensation and £500 costs.

It was the second time Blackstock had been brought before the courts by Trading Standards.

In March 2010, he was convicted for charging £800 for repairs that were never carried out on a BMW 318.