“Disgusting” fraudsters who conned people into buying cars that had been written off have been fined.

Sarmed Naeff Al-Jubury and Yusif Salman, who owned F1 Autos in Ballards Mews, Edgware, failed to tell unsuspecting buyers that the cars had faults that would not be cost effective to fix.

Having bought cars from auctions, they attempted to fix them before placing adverts on Auto Trader and their company website and inviting customers to their showroom.

The pair sold one Vauxhall Astra of which the front was held together only by plastic cable ties, which could have fallen apart.

After an investigation by Harrow Trading Standards, both men pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Al-Jubury will carry out 200 hours of community service within the next 12 months, and will be tagged for two months and under curfew between 9pm and 6am.

Yusif Salman was sentenced to 12 months' probation with 20 days' community service. He will also be tagged for two months, between 9pm and 6am.

News of their punishment was bittersweet for Watford couple Eva and Richard Hallett, who spent nearly £9,000 on what they thought was their dream car last October.

After buying the three-year-old Volkswagen Golf, they spent £1,000 doing it up before taking it to a dealership, who told them it had a twisted chassis.

F1 Autos failed to disclose the fact that the car had been in an accident and refused to offer the couple a reimbursement.

They eventually sold the car on www.webuyanycar.com for £5,700 – a loss off £4,000.

Mrs Hallett said: “The whole thing was emotionally tiring. We had thought about going to court but we just wanted to get rid of it.

“Obviously it’s a good thing they’ve pleaded guilty but it doesn’t change things for us. We don’t care, I don’t have time to think that’s great or be over the moon about it – I don’t want to waste my energy on it.

“I’m pleased they got what they deserve. They were preying on innocent people who trusted them. Trying to cheat people in that way is disgusting.”

Al-Jubury was also ordered to pay victims £300 in compensation over six months because of his low income and family circumstances.

As Salman had no family ties he has been ordered to pay £600 to the victims over six months. Both men must pay a victim surcharge of £60.