A 1989 Peugeot 405 car with 120,000 miles was sold as a 1991 model with 65,000 miles, Judge Daniel Shields was told in Ballina District Court, Co Mayo, yesterday. He was dealing with a charge against Kieran Sherlock, a car dealer and salesman, of Cuilmore, Gurteens, Co Sligo, of false pretences in the sale of a car to Mr James Kelly, Garranard, Ballina, last November. The court was told Mr Kelly traded in a van valued at £3,000 with a bank draft for £3,000 band £400 in cash for the car.
Garda Supt Tim Tully said; some days later Mr Kelly became suspicious and when garde checked the national vehicle file it was found the car was fitted with plates from a crashed car and the milometer had been put back to 65,000 miles from 120,000.
The judge described it as an extremely serious offence. If there was an agreed amount of compensation to the injured party and provided that Mr Kelly was happy he would be more lenient in his decision when the case resumed on December 10th. Mr Sherlock pleaded guilty.