Torbay Council has successfully prosecuted the owner of a South Devon Park Home site under Trading Standards regulations.

On Thursday 16 July 2015, Jeffrey Small of JBS Homes, and owner of Beechdown Park in Paignton, was convicted of acting recklessly over the sale of mobile homes. The court heard how two park homes at the site were situated on bases that were defective and not fit for purpose.

District Judge Kevin Grey, at Newton Abbot Magistrates, found Jeffrey Small guilty of two counts of recklessly engaging in commercial practices which contravene the requirements of professional diligence under unfair trading regulations.

Jeffrey Small was ordered to pay a total fine of £8,000, costs of £20,000, and a victim surcharge of £120, all to be paid within 28 days.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased with the verdict regarding the Beechdown Park case. Trading Standards aims to promote a fair and safe trading environment for the people of Torbay. We enforce a wide range of laws to help ensure that both consumers and traders receive a fair deal.

“This case was brought about under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and it should send out a clear message - comply with the law or risk prosecution.”

Trading Standards in Torbay provides Trading Standards in the areas of Metrology, Product Safety, Fair Trading, Animal Health and Consumer Advice. To find out more visit www.torbay.gov.uk/tradingstandards.