News

Successful prosecution brought against owners of NRJ Motor Company Ltd

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2023

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Trading Standards team have successfully pursued a prosecution against the officers of NRJ Motor Company for mis-selling a car as being in an ‘excellent condition’, when in fact it was in a dangerous and unroadworthy state.

On 22 June 2023 David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans pleaded guilty to engaging in a commercial practice which was misleading, contrary to regulations 9 and 13 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and supplying a product which they knew or should have known to be dangerous, contrary to regulations 8(1)(a) and 20(1) of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

In May 2022, a 22-year-old student, purchased a Fiat Punto from NRJ Motor Company. The Fiat Punto was advertised as being ‘very well maintained’ and would include a ‘brand new service’. The advert claimed that NRJ Motor Company was an ‘AA Trusted dealership’ and a ‘family business with over 40 years’ experience’. It also stated that the vehicle had last received an MOT on 19 December 2021, had been serviced in February 2022 and was described as being in an ‘excellent condition’.

An additional advert on the car reiterated that the vehicle had a ‘brand new service’, ‘free warranty’ and ‘one year’s AA breakdown cover’.

Before purchasing the car and having taken the vehicle for a test drive, the customer was informed by the salesman, who identified himself as the owner of the company, that the car was in ‘excellent condition’ and said that it had only one owner and was very well maintained. He had said that the car had relatively very low mileage, was cheap to tax and excellent on fuel. The co-owner of the business told her that the car had a current MOT and service, and these documents were in the car.

However, in the first week of June 2022, it became apparent that the car had significant problems. The airbag warning light on the dashboard had come on and the motor of the window on the driver’s side had failed and the back wheel kept deflating every few days.

NRJ Motor Company agreed to take the car in for repairs, with the window being repaired, and the business stating that there was nothing wrong with the airbag, but the warning light remained on.

On 8 July 2022, the tyre on the back passenger side of the car burst whilst the vehicle was being driven. On 11 July, having replaced the tyre, the young student heard a very loud clanging noise whilst driving. On inspecting the car, her father noticed that there was a serious problem with the rear passenger wheel and told her not to drive the car.

Despite the 1-year warranty on the car, David Bonner-Evans of NRJ Motor Company refused to collect the car or rectify the problems.

The student and her parents then contacted Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team, who appointed an expert to inspect the car. A detailed examination revealed a particularly serious fault with a corroded rear axle, making the vehicle not only unroadworthy but dangerous.

The judge stressed the offence was extremely serious and could have caused an extremely serious accident.

A number of additional problems that would render the vehicle unroadworthy and attract failure notices during an MOT were also found.

Following the guilty plea, David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans were sentenced to a fine of £1500 each, costs in total of £6678.60 with one third to pay each, £1760.75 compensation to the victim, and £150 surcharge.

Cllr. Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Lead for Trading Standards said: “The outcome of this case could have been tragic as the vehicle that was sold to the victim by David Bonner-Evans, Susan Bonner-Evans and James Bonner-Evans was not fit to be on the road.

“I would like to thank our Trading Standards Team for holding these people to account and bringing them to justice.”

Crime

‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby

Published

20 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.

The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.

It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.

After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.

Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.

Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.

The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)

News

Milford Haven honours fishermen with annual memorial service

Published

23 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN held its annual Fishermen’s Tribute Service on Saturday (Sept 28) at The Rath, in a heartfelt event that drew members of the community to honour its maritime legacy.

The Milford Haven Town Band played, adding to the solemnity of the occasion, attended by Mayor Councillor William Elliot, who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

This year’s service, led by Reverend Samuel Patterson, focused on commemorating those connected to the fishing industry, reflecting on their contributions to the town’s prosperity. The event underscores the challenging conditions faced by fishermen and the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in Milford Haven’s economy and culture.

As part of the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at the memorial, which bears the inscription, “A Tribute to Our Fishermen,” affirming the community’s gratitude and remembrance of their efforts.

(Photos Lloyd Jones / Fiona Galliford)

Community

Narberth Food Festival: A feast of flavours and fun for all ages

Published

24 hours ago

September 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NARBERTH’S annual Food Festival has returned this weekend, bringing together a delicious mix of food, music, and educational activities that highlight the best of Welsh culture and cuisine. Held in the picturesque town of Narberth, the festival promises an exciting lineup of chefs, musicians, and local artisans, showcasing the rich diversity and culinary talent of Wales.

The festivities began with an Education Day, an enlightening experience for local school children from Narberth School and St Oswald’s VA School. The day was packed with engaging workshops hosted in a large marquee, including sausage making by Andrew Rees Butchers, seaweed discoveries with Câr y Môr, cake decorating skills by Ysgol Greenhill School, essential food preparation with Corinne Cariad, and delightful chocolate making with Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Co.

This educational initiative, heavily supported by local businesses and volunteers, is designed to teach the young attendees about the origins and production of food, a foundational knowledge that the festival organisers are keen to impart to the next generation.

As the festival opens to the public, attendees are invited to a culinary journey through the Food Theatre events on Saturday. Highlights include chef demonstrations from noted chefs like Dougie Balish of The Grove and engaging taste sessions with local food innovators such as Owen Rosser from Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm.

The Music Stage offers a melodic backdrop to the delicious fare, with a lineup that spans folk, rock, and acoustic performances. Saturday’s performances will see the likes of Abbie Jebbers and the dynamic duo BoxSet, while Sunday welcomes talents like Rosey Cale and the unique sounds of Ella Guru.

The festival is not only a platform for food and music but also a spotlight on the innovative local traders. Among them is James from Still Wild, who returns to share his foraging insights and his latest creation, Oystershell Vodka, already lauded with two Great Taste stars.

For the youngsters, the festival is packed with additional fun. Entry is free for under 16s, encouraging families to enjoy the face painting, circus skills workshops, and the antics of beloved street performers. These elements ensure that the Narberth Food Festival is a weekend where learning, fun, and gastronomy delightfully intersect.

Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or just in search of a vibrant community event, Narberth Food Festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all tastes and ages. With its commitment to education, local entrepreneurship, and cultural celebration, the festival continues to be a standout event in Wales’s festival calendar.