TRADING Standards officers from Worcestershire County Council have prosecuted an online electrical retailer for selling a potentially lethal multi-socket extension lead.
They brought the case against EuroBatteries Co Ltd, of Thornbury Industrial Estate, Bristol, after receiving a complaint from someone living in Malvern.
Investigations into the five-way extension lead found it was so dangerous children could easily have put their fingers into the plug sockets and touched live parts.
Customers also expressed concern that the company had failed to take action despite their concerns.
Tests conducted by the county council's scientific laboratory and an approved electrical test centre found the lead failed the standards for electrical equipment on several counts.
A suspension notice had been placed in the early stages of the investigation to prevent any further sales and the company had issued a recall to its customers.
The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates on Wednesday, April 25.
EuroBatteries, which admitted one offence under the Consumer Protection Act, was fined £3,250 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article