The case, heard at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 21/7, originated in December 2021 when a Volkswagen Tiguan crashed in Scotland. The collision caused severe front-end damage, deployed airbags, and triggered warning lights for both the airbag and seatbelt systems.
Following the accident, a company specializing in salvaging damaged vehicles acquired the car and sold it at auction. A man in Cardiff purchased the vehicle but performed almost no repairs related to its safety systems.
In early February 2023, the owner took the car for its periodic technical inspection, entrusting the necessary repairs to mechanic Neil Lewis, 47 years old.
On 9/2/2023, the car failed the inspection due to a fault in the seatbelt, with warning lights indicating ongoing malfunctions in the seatbelt and airbag systems.
Despite these serious unresolved issues, Neil Lewis subsequently issued a passing certificate. In a message to the car owner, Lewis wrote, "You have to fix the seatbelt and airbag warning lights. But I've passed the car".
Prosecutors stated this message demonstrates that Neil Lewis was fully aware the car remained unsafe but still certified it as meeting standards. The vehicle was later sold to Rafel Jeanne, 24 years old.
In March 2023, Rafel and four friends were driving the Volkswagen Tiguan when it veered off the road and crashed. The owner and two friends, both 21 years old, died in the accident. The remaining two passengers sustained severe injuries.
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Neil Lewis leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court. Photo: Athena Picture Agency
Consequently, Neil Lewis faces charges of fraud by false representation.
According to the indictment, Lewis intentionally provided false information, claiming the car met inspection standards despite knowing serious faults related to the seatbelts and airbags persisted.
Issuing an MOT certificate certifies a vehicle as roadworthy. This act is considered fraudulent, as it aimed to benefit the car owner and allow the unsafe vehicle to continue being used on public roads.
On 21/7, Lewis pleaded guilty in court and is scheduled for sentencing on 19/8.
The MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a mandatory technical inspection for most oto over three years old in the UK. A vehicle can only legally operate on the road if it passes this test, which includes critical components such as the braking system, tires, seatbelts, airbags, lighting, and other safety standards.
Issuing an MOT certificate improperly is a serious fraudulent act because it allows unsafe vehicles to circulate on roads, posing a risk to public safety.
Hai Thu (According to Telegraph)
