A dishonest car dealer has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after being convicted of 14 offences related to fraudulent car sales from his garage in Thurcaston.
Lee David Graham Irons, of Hanover Drive, Sileby, was prosecuted by Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards following numerous complaints from customers who purchased faulty vehicles from his business, Affordable Cars Thurcaston.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Irons was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict after a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, held at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court.
He received a three-year prison term for the offences, along with an additional four months for breaching a suspended sentence imposed in November 2020, which stemmed from a previous Trading Standards prosecution for similar crimes.
An investigation revealed that between March 4, 2021, and September 16, 2022, Irons sold 12 faulty cars to customers. Complaints poured in after buyers encountered problems shortly after purchasing the vehicles, with Irons refusing to address the issues. In one case, a customer returned the car the very next day, only for Irons to resell it without offering a refund.
Investigators also found that some vehicles had falsified service histories and MOT certificates. When Trading Standards officers inspected the Thurcaston premises, several unsafe and unroadworthy cars were being offered for sale.
Judge Robert Brown, in passing sentence, condemned Irons’ actions: “You were running a thoroughly dishonest business. You were cheating your customers. You were providing a service that was not just unprofessional—it was clearly fraudulent.”
The judge highlighted Irons’ lack of remorse and criticised his attempts to discredit witnesses during the trial:
“You have shown no sign of contrition. You accused honest witnesses of lying and forgery under oath.”
While noting Irons’ role as a father and his intention to return to plumbing, Judge Brown made it clear the severity of the offences warranted a substantial custodial sentence.
He also commended the work of Leicestershire Trading Standards: “These cases are complex and resource-intensive. Trading Standards carried out a thorough and impressive investigation. Their work has been exceptional.”
Gary Connors, head of regulatory services at Leicestershire County Council, added:
“Repeat offenders can expect a tough response from Trading Standards. This case sends a clear message: fraudulent traders who exploit customers will be held accountable and could face prison.”
