10:10pm Thursday 23rd April 2009
CUSTOMERS buying goods online are being reminded to remain vigilant after a manufacturer was fined £6,000 for selling faulty stab vests on eBay.
Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards service prosecuted Malcolm Charles after they discovered the cheap vests on sale on the site despite the fact tests showed they were devoid of all materials to give protection even against a low level knife attack.
An investigation by Trading Standards in conjunction with the Home Office, who carried out the testing, found the vests were manufactured by the 40-year-old of Halesowen and supplied to a wide range of consumers and businesses, including doormen, debt collectors and even parents who purchased them for their children to wear.
Charles pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to charges under the Trade Descriptions Act and the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations.
He has signed an agreement which prevents him from having any involvement in the future manufacture or sale of stab resistant vests.
A breach of this will result in further court action being taken.
Leanne McLean, Trading Standards officer, said: "Manufacturers and traders have a legal obligation to ensure any goods offered for sale are both accurately described and safe to use. Unfortunately on this occasion, neither was the case.
"We became suspicious because the price of around £60 each seemed too good to be true and this was confirmed when we received the test reports.
"These stab vests afforded very little in the way of protection and could have resulted in the wearer being seriously injured.
"The penalty imposed by the court reflected the seriousness of this case."
For more information on consumer issues or to lodge a complaint contact 08454 040506 or visit consumerdirect.gov.uk
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/trade_directory/