A MOTOR dealer who sold insurance write-offs on eBay without informing customers of their history has been spared jail.

Prosecutor Claire Larton said John Hallisey, who operated his two companies, JH Car and Vans and Argento, from a base in Bacup, also failed to tell online buyers about the condition of vehicles and gave inaccurate information about the number of previous owners.

Burnley Crown Court heard how victim Lisa Knott paid £1,295 for a red Kia Picanto in January 2017. When the vehicle arrived she complained to 41-year-old Hallisey about its condition and when she researched it found out it was a write-off.

Victim Trevor Sehannie put down a £200 deposit on a red Suzuki SX4, which Hallisey described as being in excellent condition and having had one previous owner. Mr Sehannie later discovered the Suzuki was a write-off .

Nicola Smith paid £1,495 for the same vehicle, before discovering it was a write-off.

Another victim, Katherine Ringue, was told the Mazda 2 Sport she had put a £500 deposit on had one previous owner when it had actually had two.

Victim David Hawkins paid £5,575 for a Subaru Outback described as in excellent condition, which was later found not be roadworthy.

Hallisey, of Rochdale Road, Todmorden, pleaded guilty to engaging in an unfair commercial practice.

The case had previously been adjourned to allow Hallisey to compensate his victims.

Lisa Knott received £1,295, Trevor Sehannie received £200, Nicola Smith received £1,495, Katherine Ringue received £500 and David Hawkins received £5,575.

Hallisey was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and told to complete 200 hours unpaid work within 12 months and pay £2,000 prosecution costs.