£1.7k fine after dangerously faulty auction car hits another

Friday 19 April 2024

A 32-year-old man, who did not get a car he bought at auction checked, has been fined more than £1,700 after the dangerously faulty vehicle was involved in a collision.

The Magistrate's Court heard this week that Grant Barry Felix Hepburn's white Hiatsu Jet was found to have defects such as faulty brakes, lights, shock absorbers and door mirrors.

St Saviour Centenier Steven Laffoley-Edwards, prosecuting, said they were discovered when he was in collision with a vehicle in front on La Grande Route de St Clement on the morning of 4 August last year.

Hepburn admitted the two charges of driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition and careless driving.

Advocate James Bell, defending, said he had bought the car at an auction and said: “With the benefit of hindsight he should have got it checked. He does offer his apologies.”

As well as imposing the fine, Relief Magistrate Peter Harris endorsed his licence, meaning that if he commits another motoring offence within the next three years he could be banned from driving.

Hepburn already owes £1,150 in fines for a previous conviction – leaving him with a total of £2,900 to pay – but is currently unemployed.

He was allowed to pay at the rate of £20 per week but will be required to pay £50 per week when he returns to work. The situation will be reviewed on 16 June.