The applicant has been a licensed motor dealer and a licensed car salesman in different periods of time spread over a number of years. He has worked in the motor trade since he turned 18, having been born 44 years ago.

He has been found guilty, by his own admission, of, in effect, buying somebody else's licence to operate a car yard, and under the colour of that licence he operated a yard posing as a licensed motor dealer for a period running from November 2006 until May of 2007.

In that time he sold about 94 motor vehicles, of which 70 were wholesale trades, dealer to dealer. There has been no harm to the public other than that an unlicensed dealer held himself out there as such.

He co-operated fully with the investigation, he made full admissions when questioned and entered a plea of guilty at an early stage. I do not think that he should be put out of business by being disqualified or suspended. I think that he has been adequately dealt with by way of a fine of $2,550.00.

The order to pay the Chief Executive's professional costs of $1160.00 will be a further penalty upon him. On the facts presented to me by the applicant and the respondent, I am of the view that those are the appropriate orders.

1. The respondent is fined $2,550.00, such amount to be paid by 4:00pm on 27 February 2009.

2. The respondent is ordered to pay the Chief Executive's costs fixed at $1,140.00, such amount to be paid by 4:00pm on 27 February 2009.

_____________________________