Bradley Christopher Diable, 43, fined $10k for unlicensed car dealings

A Bunbury man who made $30,000 revamping and selling 19 second hand cars has told the court he will “have to find a new hobby” after being slapped with a $10,000 fine for doing it without a license.

Bradley Christopher Diable appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday, where the 43-year-old pleaded guilty to the carrying out a business without being the holder of a valid dealer’s license.

The court heard between May 5 2021 and May 4 2022, Diable purchased 21 second hand vehicles before doing them up and selling 19 of the cars to buyers via private selling platforms such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

The court was told the Diable made approximately $30,000 in revenue from the act, with figures confirmed through his bank and mobile phone records.

Investigations conducted by consumer protection revealed Diable did not hold a motor vehicle dealer license, placing him in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

The 43-year-old, who represented himself at the bar table, told the court he was “not aware” his actions were criminal and that it was something he did as a “hobby.”

It was submitted he spent about $13,000 on each vehicle, the most significant instance being the “complete rebuild” of a 1971 Datsun which Diable purchased for $6000 and later sold for $18,000.

He explained how the process helped to “occupy his mind” to overcome gambling problems when he was feeling “bored or lonely.”

Magistrate Benjamin Tyers handed down a $10,000 fine for the charge, with a further $682 in court costs, explaining Diable was only able to sell four vehicles in 12 months before requiring a license to do so.

Following the sentencing, Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said unlicensed dealing created a “real risk” for the community, as the vehicles sold could be defective.

“It also threatens consumer rights such as those covering warranties, as it can be difficult for consumers to seek a refund, repair or replacement if problems arise with a motor vehicle purchased from an unlicensed dealer,” she said.

“Unlicensed dealing creates an uneven playing field and undermines the integrity of the industry by taking away market share from those licensed dealers who conduct lawful business.

“Before buying a motor vehicle, consumers can do a motor vehicle dealer licence check online, and if a business or individual appears unlicensed, report it immediately to Consumer Protection so we can investigate.”