A Westbury motor trader has been prosecuted after two customers were denied refunds for faulty and misdescribed vehicles.
Benjamin John Meacham, 35, of Phipps Close, Westbury, appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (18 August).
He pleaded guilty to three offences linked to the sale of vehicles through Meachams Car Centre and Meachams Car Centre Westbury Ltd.
Meacham was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay a further £2,600. The total included £980 in prosecution costs, £1,060 in compensation and a £560 victim surcharge.
The case followed an investigation by Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards officers after complaints from two customers.
Both had bought vehicles which were either faulty or not as described and were refused refunds when attempting to exercise their legal rights.
In the first case, a Westbury resident bought a Ford KA for £2,200 after seeing it advertised on social media in March 2025.
During a test drive, the car displayed a flashing odometer. The customer was told by Meacham that the issue would be repaired.
Further faults developed after the sale and the vehicle was returned for repairs.
However, the problems were not resolved and repeated requests to reject the vehicle and receive a refund were refused. The vehicle later became a non-runner.
A second investigation involved a Fiat 500L bought by a Melksham resident for £1,850 in June 2025.
After the purchase, the customer discovered the vehicle had previously been recorded as a Category S insurance write-off, meaning it had sustained structural damage.
Trading Standards officers found the information was available when the vehicle was acquired by the business.
However, the previous Category S status was not disclosed to the customer before the sale.
When she attempted to reject the vehicle because it had not been accurately described, she was told that Meacham could not provide a refund or take the vehicle back.
A later written request for a refund received no response.
Councillor Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “When purchasing a vehicle from a trader, consumers have clear rights and should be able to make informed decisions based on accurate information about the vehicle they are buying.
“In this case, one customer was sold a vehicle that developed significant faults and was denied a refund, while another was not told that the vehicle they purchased had previously been classed as a Category S write-off.
“Motor traders must ensure vehicles are accurately described and must respect consumers’ statutory rights when faults arise.
“We are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring businesses comply with their legal obligations. We will continue to investigate and take action against traders who engage in unfair trading practices.
“Anyone looking to buy a vehicle should consider using the Buy With Confidence scheme, where businesses have been audited and approved by Trading Standards.”
Residents who believe they have experienced similar problems are advised to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
Details of local Trading Standards approved businesses can be found at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
