Dublin car dealer and salesman convicted for selling written-off vehicles
A Dublin car dealer and his salesman were convicted of selling "spiced-up" written-off vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. The CCPC prosecution resulted in fines, costs, and a prison sentence.
Dublin car dealer convicted of passing off written-off cars as roadworthy
A Dublin car dealer and one of his salesmen have been convicted of selling previously written-off vehicles that had been "spiced up" and resold to unsuspecting buyers, the Irish Independent reports.
Brian Healy, of Slade Road, Saggart, Co Dublin — owner of Lucan Auto Sales on Lucan Road — and his salesman Andrius Miliauskas, originally from Ukraine and living at Royal Canal Court, Church Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to a combined 10 charges under sections 47 and 79 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007.
The prosecution was brought by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) following an investigation into transactions that took place in 2023 and 2024.
Judge: buyers 'completely deceived'
At Dublin District Court on Wednesday, Judge Anthony Halpin said buyers had been "completely deceived" by the two men. He said Healy had acquired the written-off cars, which were then "spiced up" before being put back on the market.
Judge Halpin stressed that the vehicles lacked roadworthiness and that routine NCT tests may not necessarily detect underlying defects. A breakdown on a motorway, he said, could have had fatal consequences for occupants and other road users.
Ford Focus sold for €11,500
Prosecuting counsel Cathal Ó Braonáin BL told the court that the first complainant purchased a 2016-registration Ford Focus for €11,500 after seeing it advertised on Done Deal. Prior to a crash, the car had been valued at €12,000. It was written off following that collision, passed through a salvage yard and another dealer, and ultimately acquired by Healy.
When the buyer asked about the car's history, Miliauskas did not disclose the prior write-off. He told the customer that only minor items had been fixed and provided a vehicle report showing no alerts. The buyer later discovered an air conditioning fault and a hole in the radiator.
When he challenged Miliauskas about whether the car had been in an accident, the salesman denied it, insisting the car simply needed a new radiator. The buyer's insurance company subsequently informed him that the vehicle was a recorded write-off following a crash in March 2023. When confronted again, Miliauskas continued to deny any prior accident.
The customer ultimately received €6,500 from his insurer and €3,001 from salvage — leaving him with a net loss of just under €2,000.
Written-off Audi A5 imported from UK
The second case involved a 2014 Audi A5, also advertised on Done Deal. A customer met Miliauskas on 27 June 2024 and paid €14,000 for the vehicle after being told the gearbox had been replaced. It later emerged that the car had been written off in the United Kingdom in 2017 before being imported into Ireland, where it had subsequently passed NCT tests over several years.
Healy provided that buyer with a full refund. Judge Halpin noted, however, that the vehicle was subsequently placed back on sale with its write-off history still omitted.
Previous conviction with unpaid penalties
The court heard that Miliauskas had a prior conviction from 2019 for a similar offence — misleading trade practices and providing false vehicle information — in a case unrelated to Healy. That conviction resulted in penalties totalling €10,347, including a €2,000 fine, €5,400 in costs, witness expenses, and a €2,500 compensation order. That sum remains unpaid.
Healy had no prior convictions. Defence counsel told the court that both men deeply regretted their actions and offered apologies. It was submitted that Healy had acted as a broker, or "go-between," in the Audi transaction, had offered a full refund to that buyer, and wished to compensate the Ford Focus purchaser. Medical reports were also submitted detailing Healy's serious health conditions, including cancer and a brain haemorrhage. The defence argued that new operating procedures had since been put in place to prevent a recurrence.
Sentences and penalties
Healy was ordered to pay a €1,500 fine, €3,567 in costs, and €1,994 in compensation, with six months to settle the amounts.
Miliauskas — whose previous financial penalties remain outstanding — was sentenced to four months in prison. He lodged an appeal and was released on bail set at €5,000.
Healy faced four counts relating to misleading commercial practices and omitting material information about the histories of both vehicles. Miliauskas faced six counts, including multiple charges of engaging in misleading commercial practices and concealing the Ford Focus's prior crash history, as well as misleading practices in connection with the Audi A5.
CCPC calls for free car history data
Following the hearing, CCPC chairperson Brian McHugh said car traders have a legal obligation not to mislead buyers about a vehicle's history and condition. "Misleading information can put the buyer and all other road users in danger," he said.
McHugh added that the CCPC would continue to investigate and prosecute dealers who mislead consumers, but called for structural reform. "We need car history information to be shared with consumers for free, as is seen in other countries," he said. "A car is one of the most expensive purchases a consumer will ever make, and buyers need accurate information so they can get value for money and a safe and reliable vehicle for them and their family."
Source: Irish Independent