A rogue car dealer from Northamptonshire, Ionut Olaru, has been sentenced at Northampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation. Olaru, formerly of Buttercup Drive, Daventry, was the subject of three complaints to West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Trading Standards regarding car sales conducted via AutoTrader in 2020 and 2021.
Olaru, 41, used various false names to advertise vehicles with attractive mileage and reasonable years. He insisted on cash payments and provided fabricated names and addresses to both AutoTrader and his victims. Furthermore, he forged MOT certificates and service histories to support his deceptive sales.
Recorder Mary Prior KC, in sentencing Olaru, noted that he would agree on a price for a vehicle, but then supply a different car with higher mileage, accompanied by forged documents. These vehicles were of significantly less value than what was advertised. Each victim reportedly lost a substantial amount of money.
Councillor Laura Couse, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services, stated that prosecuting such offences is a priority for the council, sending a “firm warning: fraud will be met with zero tolerance.”
Olaru received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay a total of £18,000 in compensation and costs. Additionally, he must complete 15 rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Source: Northampton Chronicle
UKWindscreens
12 months suspended for 2 years? That’s the trouble with this country, there’s no real deterrent to crime. He will soon be back at it. The courts need a complete overhaul in the UK, it’s not fit for purpose.