A DODGY car dealer has been left out of pocket after he admitted making false claims about a second-hand vehicle he sold.

Bradley Bailey, who traded at Stonebridge Warwickshire, said the Vauxhall Corsa he sold to a Dudley borough resident in August 2014 came with an RAC warranty, had been finance checked and had been regularly serviced.

But all of the claims were untrue and the car broke down within 20 miles after being purchased and hasn’t been used since.

The purchaser complained to Dudley Council's Trading Standards team after trying to resolve the problem with Bailey without success and it was revealed the car was still subject to outstanding finance when it was sold by the 27-year-old.

Bailey, of Crabmill Close in Knowle, pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 when he appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court.

He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay compensation of £1,375, prosecution costs of £2,065 and a £40 victim surcharge.

Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member responsible for trading standards in Dudley, said: “Trading Standards officers investigate complaints where second-hand vehicles are not described fully or accurately, because it is vital that consumers receive the information they need to make an informed choice about whether to purchase.

“We will not hesitate to take action against traders who make misleading actions or omissions which deceive the customer and may put their safety at risk.”