Two Berkshire motor dealers have been refused a consumer credit licence by the OFT.

Justin William Tidbury had his application refused on the basis that he had numerous convictions including multiple convictions for theft, criminal damage, drink driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, using threatening behaviour, handling stolen goods, clocking cars and selling clocked cars. He had also been carrying out activities for which a licence is required without a licence and knowingly gave false information to the OFT which is an offence under the Consumer Credit Act.

Emma Louise Tovey had her application refused on the basis that she did not name Justin William Tidbury as a person who could direct or influence the business. She also knowingly gave the OFT false information by stating that she was the sole proprietor of the business when in fact it is owned and run by Tidbury or by them jointly.

The adjudicator therefore decided that both applicants were unfit to hold a consumer credit licence and accordingly their applications were refused.

In considering fitness, the OFT takes into account a number of factors including:

  • any offence or conviction of violence or dishonesty carried out by the business or anyone involved in running the business
  • failure to comply with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act or other consumer protection legislation
  • consumer complaints
  • evidence of unfair business practice
  • evidence of discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race or ethnic/national origin.

    Christine Wade, director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement, says: “Tidbury has a string of convictions for dishonesty and violence. He and his partner also gave false information to the OFT. The applicants are therefore not fit to provide credit to consumers.”