A former director of a Wiltshire used van dealership has been fined after admitting selling a Peugeot Boxer with a mileage nearly four times higher than what was advertised.
The Wiltshire Times reports that John Geddes, 39, former director of Cotswold Vans Limited near Malmesbury, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 at Swindon Magistrates’ Court.
The case followed the sale of a Peugeot Boxer advertised and sold for £12,950 with a recorded mileage of 42,862 miles. Later checks found the van’s true mileage was approximately 162,528 miles.
Mileage concern raised
The customer became concerned about the mileage shortly after paying a deposit and an HPI check identified a discrepancy.
When the issue was raised with Geddes before the sale was completed, he reassured the customer that the mileage was genuine to the best of his knowledge. After the purchase, further checks were carried out by the customer and a Peugeot dealership.
The diagnostic checks found the much higher mileage and additional issues were also identified, including mechanical concerns linked to the van’s emissions system.
The customer exercised their short-term right to reject the vehicle under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, on the basis that it was not as described.
However, the trader failed to resolve the matter and the customer later secured a county court judgment against Cotswold Vans.
Trader fined £2,515
Companies House records show that both directors of Cotswold Vans had resigned in February 2026 before the date of the vehicle sale.
This left the company without registered directors at the time of trading contrary to legal requirements under the Companies Act 2006.
Wiltshire Council said the absence of active directors made enforcement of the county court judgment ineffective.
After receiving the court summons issued by Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards officers, Geddes contacted the customer to arrange collection of the van and agree a refund.
Geddes, of Clappen Close, Cirencester, was fined £999 and ordered to pay costs of £1,117 and a victim surcharge of £399, bringing the total to £2,515.
Paul Sample, cabinet member for public protection at Wiltshire Council, said: “Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases many people make, and consumers have the right to expect that the information provided by a trader is accurate and trustworthy.
“In this case, a vehicle was sold with a mileage reading that was significantly lower than its true mileage, despite concerns being raised before the sale was completed.
“Mileage is a key factor in determining both the value and condition of a vehicle, and misleading consumers about it can have serious financial consequences.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting consumers and supporting honest businesses.
“We will continue to take action where traders fail to meet their legal responsibilities and breach consumer protection laws.”
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