Published at 12:08, Friday, 22 August 2008

A MAN who sold an amphibious vehicle described by a judge as “a floating coffin” was yesterday given a suspended jail term.

Dutton-Woolley was found guilty of supplying a vehicle that was not fit for the purpose of carrying fare-paying passengers on land and on water, contrary to the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.

Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards, who brought the prosecution, said: “I’m delighted with the result.

“The dangers of fare-paying passengers taking a ride on the lake in an unsuitable vehicle are obvious. I hope that by taking this action we’ve averted a future tragedy”.

Mr Cowdroy said: “Apart from causing myself and my family extreme financial hardship over the last three years and depriving us of our savings and livelihood while leaving us with huge debts, Tim Dutton personally built and then dangerously modified an amphibious craft that could have easily seriously injured or even worse, killed all those on board, including men, women and children.

“Tim Dutton was fully aware of the vehicle’s intended purpose and, showing total disregard for passenger safety, fitted dangerous, secondhand and ill-fitting parts.”

During the trial, Judge Paul Batty QC said: “Everyone who saw it, either at close quarters or performing, would probably agree that it was nothing short of a floating coffin.”

Dutton-Woolley was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years and was ordered to pay £28,500 compensation.

Passing sentence, Judge Batty said: “The vehicle/vessel was an absolute disgrace and undoubtedly unfit for the lake. It could have created an absolute tragedy.”

Dutton-Woolley is appealing his conviction.

A winding up order was made against Amphibious Cars Ltd in the High Court of Justice on 13 February 2008. The company had liabilities of £260,616 and no assets.

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