Following an investigation by Luton Trading Standard and the Office for Product Safety and Standards, a battery dealer in Luton was sentenced for selling sub-standard and misdescribed batteries.
Daljinder Singh Bains appeared at Luton Crown Court on 21 June 2024. The defendant was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for breaching Regulation 8 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Mr Bains ran a business on eBay from Number One Motor Factors on 381 Dunstable Road, Luton, as well as his own website under the name ‘Number One Batteries’, selling automotive and leisure batteries to the public.
Mr Bains imported lead acid batteries from Turkey and rebranded them with incorrect performance ratings and labelling. Additionally, consumers were not given sufficient safety information, compromising consumer’s safety, and were misled on multiple fronts, including delivery times and warranties.
In addition to being sentenced, the defendant received a hefty costs order and a two-year director disqualification order.
Gerard McCleave, Corporate Director for Inclusive Economy, said: “We are entirely committed to ensuring that people in Luton are able to shop safely. The work of our Trading Standards team is invaluable in making sure that misdescribed and potentially dangerous products do not make their way into residents’ homes.
“This sentence should send a firm message to traders who think they can skirt the law and disregard safety regulations which are in place for a very good reason.”
For information and advice on complaints about batteries or other products, visit the Citizens Advice website or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.