A mobile mechanic who took money from vulnerable customers and failed to carry out the work he promised has been fined and ordered to pay compensation to his victims, following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards Team.

Jamie Leigh Wright (trading as JLW Autocare), of Azenor Avenue, Falmouth, entered guilty pleas at Truro Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday to two charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

The charges related to misleading actions and a lack of professional diligence in two separate incidents from late 2023.

In one case, Wright, aged 41, diagnosed a faulty turbo. Despite being paid upfront for the cost of the parts needed, he failed to return to complete the repair, giving a range of excuses.

When the complainant chased him for a refund, he claimed he had already purchased the parts, but was waiting for a refund from his parts supplier. He sent a picture of his trade account as evidence. Investigations later confirmed that this picture was false and that no such order had been placed.

In the second case, Wright diagnosed a faulty gearbox and driveshaft. The customer was encouraged to pay extra for a professionally refurbished gearbox, with payment for the parts requested upfront.

Several months went by with no repair being made. The customer eventually approached another garage to fit the gearbox.

Wright finally supplied the gearbox, following the intervention of Trading Standards. It was then discovered that the gearbox was not the correct type for the vehicle, and that it had not been reconditioned.

Both customers in these cases were considered vulnerable.

When asked by the magistrates why he had not paid the money back, he said that he was told not to have any contact with the victims. He could not give a reason why he had not contacted Trading Standards about arranging repayments.

The magistrates fined Wright £484 and ordered him to pay £1,124 in compensation, a £194 victim surcharge, and awarded Cornwall Council costs of £3,000.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder responsible for Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “This man took advantage of his customers and failed to complete work he had been paid to do.

“This is totally unacceptable and I’m delighted that our Trading Standards team have been able to secure compensation for the victims.”