Key Points
- Grzegorz Seczkowski, 41, a van salesman from Farm Close, Abingdon, had sentencing delayed.
- He was found guilty of vehicle clocking, altering odometer readings to sell vehicles for higher profits.
- Seczkowski’s company, GNA Cars Ltd, located at Radley Road Industrial Estate in Abingdon, was also implicated.
- Allegations include selling a Peugeot Boxer with a falsified MOT certificate and incorrect mileage details.
- The sentencing had been scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, but has now been postponed.
Abingdon (Oxford Daily) February 02, 2026 – The sentencing of Grzegorz Seczkowski, a 41-year-old van salesman from Farm Close, Abingdon, has been delayed after he was found guilty of vehicle clocking. Seczkowski, along with his company GNA Cars Ltd, based at Radley Road Industrial Estate in Abingdon, had been due to face the court on Monday, January 26, for sentencing following convictions related to fraudulent vehicle sales.
The case centres on allegations that Seczkowski deliberately altered the mileage on vehicles he sold, a practice known as “clocking,” to achieve higher resale values. Among the vehicles involved was a Peugeot Boxer van, which reportedly had a falsified MOT certificate and manipulated odometer readings.
What is vehicle clocking and why is it illegal?
As reported by Oxford Mail journalist, “vehicle clocking is the practice of rolling back the mileage of a car to make it appear less used, enabling sellers to charge more than its true value.” This practice is illegal in the UK and carries severe penalties, including fines and custodial sentences, especially when it involves repeated offences or commercial activity.
Vehicle clocking not only defrauds buyers but also poses safety risks, as vehicles may appear roadworthy despite extensive hidden wear and tear. In this case, the Peugeot Boxer van with a falsified MOT certificate further compounded the potential risk, as MOTs certify vehicles meet legal safety and emissions standards.
Why has Grzegorz Seczkowski’s sentencing been delayed?
As stated by court officials and reported by the Oxford Daily, the sentencing of Seczkowski has been postponed. While specific reasons for the delay were not disclosed publicly, it is not uncommon for sentencing to be deferred in complex fraud cases. Reasons can include awaiting further reports, pre-sentence investigations, or legal representation matters.
Seczkowski, whose company GNA Cars Ltd has been at the centre of the allegations, faces scrutiny not only for personal wrongdoing but also for corporate accountability. The delay allows the court to ensure that all relevant documentation, including vehicle histories, MOT certificates, and financial records, are fully examined before a sentencing decision is handed down.
How prevalent is vehicle fraud in the UK?
As highlighted by consumer protection experts and law enforcement sources cited in previous Oxford Mail reports, vehicle fraud, including odometer tampering, remains a significant concern in the UK. Thousands of vehicles are sold annually, and incidents of clocked vehicles can result in financial losses for buyers running into tens of thousands of pounds.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated that fraud involving vehicles, especially used vans and commercial vehicles, remains a persistent issue. The legal system takes these offences seriously, and prosecutions, such as the case involving Seczkowski, aim to deter similar practices in the automotive industry.
What impact does vehicle fraud have on buyers and the market?
According to independent automotive experts, buying a clocked vehicle not only affects consumer trust but can also lead to unexpected maintenance costs, diminished resale value, and safety hazards. In Seczkowski’s case, potential buyers of the Peugeot Boxer van could have been misled about its usage and roadworthiness.
In addition to the direct financial loss, vehicle clocking undermines confidence in the second-hand vehicle market. Industry bodies, including the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), advocate for rigorous checks and transparency to protect buyers. The use of falsified MOT certificates, as alleged in Seczkowski’s case, amplifies concerns about regulatory compliance and the enforcement of safety standards.
What statements have been made about the case?
The Oxford Mail reported that court officials confirmed the charges against Seczkowski included both personal and corporate offences. While the defendant has not made a public statement regarding the delay, his legal representatives are expected to provide submissions to the court prior to sentencing.
The court has emphasised the seriousness of the offences, particularly given the potential risk to consumers and the deliberate nature of the fraud. Legal analysts note that custodial sentences in similar cases have ranged from 12 months to several years, depending on the scale of the fraud and aggravating factors such as repeated offences or corporate involvement.
What is the next step in Grzegorz Seczkowski’s case?
With the sentencing postponed, the court will schedule a new date to deliver a verdict. Observers suggest that additional pre-sentence reports, including financial assessments and character references, may be considered before the judge imposes a sentence.
The delay also provides an opportunity for the defence to present mitigating circumstances, such as prior conduct, personal circumstances, or evidence of cooperation with authorities. However, given the seriousness of selling vehicles with altered mileage and falsified MOTs, the court is expected to impose a sentence that reflects both punitive and deterrent principles.
How can buyers protect themselves from vehicle fraud?
Industry experts advise potential buyers to:
- Always check the vehicle’s MOT history online via the official government portal.
- Use independent inspection services to verify mileage and condition.
- Request service and maintenance records and confirm odometer readings across multiple documents.
- Be cautious of deals that appear significantly below market value, as these can indicate potential tampering.
According to Oxford Mail automotive correspondents, raising awareness and vigilance remains key to reducing the incidence of vehicle clocking. Buyers are encouraged to report suspicious activity to Action Fraud or the police.
Why is corporate accountability important in vehicle fraud cases?
As highlighted by the Oxford Mail coverage, companies such as GNA Cars Ltd can face serious consequences when involved in fraudulent sales. Corporate liability ensures that not only individuals but also the businesses facilitating fraud are held responsible.
Enforcement against corporate offenders can include fines, business restrictions, and reputational damage. In Seczkowski’s case, the company’s involvement in selling a van with a falsified MOT demonstrates the blurred lines between personal and corporate wrongdoing, reinforcing the importance of regulatory oversight.
What has been the public response to this case?
While there has been no official public statement from victims, local community reactions in Abingdon suggest concern and interest in consumer protection. The case has drawn attention to the broader risks of second-hand vehicle purchases and emphasises the role of the courts in maintaining market integrity.
The delay in Grzegorz Seczkowski’s sentencing underscores the complexities of prosecuting vehicle fraud cases that involve both individual and corporate offences. With allegations including odometer tampering and falsified MOT documentation, the case highlights the importance of rigorous enforcement to protect buyers and maintain confidence in the automotive market. The public and industry stakeholders will be closely watching the rescheduled sentencing, which promises to set a significant precedent for fraud involving used vehicles in Abingdon and beyond.
