A second-hand car dealership who illegally swindled customers by flogging poor quality cars has been prosecuted by Greenwich Council.

Auto City Motors Ltd and its directors Ms Aiste Cepulyte and Mr Liuatauras Miksys have been ordered to pay around £20,000 in compensation to their customers.

In a case not far from the plot of Matilda and her father's storyline, the business was buying poor quality cars at auction and selling them on to unsuspecting customers.

The clients of the car dealership inevitably found faults in their cars which meant they could no longer use them, and the council's Trading Standards team received numerous complaints.

They were told that customers who tried to return the car for faulty parts or a refund, which they are legally entitled to, were faced with angry confrontation.

Greenwich Council was able to act under the Enterprise Act, which allows the court to issue enforcement orders.

The court determined that if the car dealership continues to deceive their customers by either selling inadequate cars or refusing a consumer’s right to return, there will be criminal charges.

Additionally, the court has also instructed that the dealership pay compensation to their defrauded customers, totalling £20,213.

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety, said: “I am very proud of our Trading Standards team for acting so efficiently, and to our residents who raised their concerns with us. Criminals need to be stopped, and people should come forward, so we can act fast in bringing them to justice.

"If any of our residents have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.”