Max Grunfeld, a 34-year-old car dealer from Coopers Edge, Gloucester, has been sentenced following an investigation by Gloucestershire Trading Standards into fraudulent trading activities. Appearing before Gloucester Crown Court on May 15, Grunfeld pleaded guilty to offences involving fraudulent trading, misleading consumers, and producing a false service history booklet.
The court imposed a three-year Community Order on Grunfeld, requiring him to comply with strict conditions. Failure to meet these conditions could result in re-sentencing for the original offences. His sentence includes 25 rehabilitation days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a 10-year disqualification from acting as a company director.
In addition, Grunfeld was issued a criminal behaviour order prohibiting him from selling or advertising any cars other than his personal vehicle and forbidding him from working in the car trade. He is also mandated to report every six weeks to court on his gambling addiction, and a Proceeds of Crime Investigation is scheduled. Any breach of these terms may lead to fines or further sentencing.
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The court heard that Grunfeld, operating under the name BMG Autohaus, advertised four vehicles falsely claiming they had complete service histories. Two customers were told that the service history documents would be provided after purchase but never received them. On one occasion, Grunfeld created and supplied a fake service history booklet.
During sales, he assured customers with statements like “one million percent there” and “be rest assured that car’s got full service history.” When pressed for proof, he provided misleading information along with a fabricated service history booklet. An inspection by Gloucestershire Trading Standards revealed additional discrepancies in the service history documentation of two other vehicles.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards, stated: “This case highlights how seriously we take attempts to mislead or deceive customers. Buyers deserve accurate and honest information when purchasing a vehicle. Our Trading Standards team is dedicated to protecting residents from unfair and fraudulent practices and will act decisively against offenders.”