Car trader sentenced after Trading Standards investigation

Max Grunfeld, 34, of Coopers Edge, appeared before Gloucester Crown Court on Friday 15 May for sentencing following guilty pleas to offences relating to fraudulent trading, misleading consumers, and producing a false service history booklet.

He was sentenced to a three-year Community Order, meaning if he fails to meet the conditions set by the court he can be brought back to be sentenced for the original offence. He was ordered to undertake 25 rehabilitation days, 200 hours unpaid work and was disqualified as a director for 10 years.

Grunfeld was also given a criminal behaviour order, meaning he cannot sell, advertise cars other than his personal vehicle, or work in the car trade. He must return to court every six weeks to report on his gambling addiction issue, and a timetable was set for a Proceeds of Crime Investigation to be conducted. If he breaches any of the conditions, he can be fined or be re-sentenced.

The court heard that Grunfeld, trading as BMG Autohaus, advertised four vehicles claiming they had full service histories, which were later found to be false.

Two customers were advised by him that the service history documents would follow the sale. These never materialised and on one vehicle, Grunfeld prepared and supplied a false service history booklet.

During the sales process, he made statements such as “one million percent there” and “be rest assured that car’s got full service history”. When a customer later pressed for the service history, misleading information was provided and a false service history booklet was produced.

Further concerns came to light during an inspection by Gloucestershire Trading Standards, where two additional vehicles were identified as having discrepancies in their service history documentation.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This case shows how seriously we take any attempts to mislead or deceive customers. People have a right to trust that the information they are given when buying a vehicle is accurate and honest. Our Trading Standards team works hard to protect residents from unfair and fraudulent practices, and we will not hesitate to take action where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.”