A MECHANIC firm has been ordered to pay thousands for a botched job that put a driver at a "very high risk of injury".
Car Conversions attempted to convert a Mercedes from right-hand to left-hand drive ahead of the owner's move to Spain but instead wrecked the car.
The Romford-based business was ordered to pay £1,155 in prosecution costs and £5,000 compensation after an investigation by Havering Council into Clifford Appiah, 49, of Bryant Row, Cummings Hall Lane, Noak Hill, Romford.
He was rapped by the magistrate on September 6 for causing a "very high risk of injury" in what was described as an "appalling case".
Among the £11,700 worth of damage effectively writing the car off was a misalignment of the steering wheel and steering column, and the driver's foot became trapped under the realigned dashboard.
A botched modification of the car's internal wiring created a serious fire risk.
The reconfiguration of the brake and fuel lines created the potential for a brake failure and fuel leak.
The car's owner had paid Appiah £2,950 before work began at the Noak Hill premises.
He was told the vehicle was ready on January 7, 2012, nine months after initial contact.
Appiah was given an 18-month conditional discharge and prosecuted for failing to use professional diligence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
Cabinet member for public protection Councillor Lesley Kelly said: "We deplore anyone who thinks it's acceptable to cut corners and take shorts cuts in a bid to make a quick profit.
"We hope that this case drives the message home. We do not tolerate those who don't play by the rules."