A case against Charles Sandeman and his Dundee-based company Glencross Motors, which had been accused of trading without a licence and failing to keep records, has been dropped by Sheriff Alastair Brown after he said there was “unsatisfactory information” provided by prosecutors.
Police raided the company’s property on Clepington Road nearly two years ago, but the case was dropped last month (February 2016), with Sheriff Brown now explaining the reason behind the decision: “My consideration has been handicapped by the gaps in what the procurator fiscal could tell me, which appear to be attributable to questionable compliance by the police.
“It appears that there may have been a search warrant and that some of those who participated may have obtained entry on the basis of so far unspecified statutory regulatory or inspection powers.”
There are a number of legalities you have to cover when running a car dealership, and key among keeping your business, customers, stock and premises safe is your motor trade insurance. You should also have a good level of road risks insurance to cover all legal eventualities.
Mr Sandeman told The Evening Telegraph: “The decision made by the sheriff was the right one and I now feel vindicated. The court’s judgement is damning.
“I haven’t got a clue why I was targeted by the police, but it was just a fishing expedition. I’ve not got any criminal convictions whatsoever. I’m just happy that the judge made the right decision. It’s now just a case of business as usual.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said that the prosecution service has noted the decision of Sheriff Brown, but declined to add anything further.
