12:01 pm, October 30, 2018
A DUNDEE landlord is taking legal action against used car dealer Charles Sandeman over the sudden closure of two sites in the city.
According to Jim Boyle, who owns a portfolio of properties with his wife, Sandeman has left him thousands of pounds out of pocket after locking up the sites and withdrawing from paying rent.
Sandeman is no stranger to controversy, having been accused of trading without a licence in 2016 before the case was dropped by the sheriff.
The two sites – South Road Motors and Ancrum Autos – suddenly closed and locals reported that the cars had all been removed, despite Boyle claiming there were still four years remaining on the leases.
South Road Motors was only bought and reopened in November 2017 by Sandeman. However, he still operates a third city dealership, Motor Mile Motors.
Boyle told the Dundee Evening Telegraph: ‘I’ve been speaking with my solicitors in Edinburgh who are dealing with the matter now. I’m flaming.
‘He’s going to leave me out of pocket to the tune of thousands and thousands of pounds.’
However, Sandeman told the paper: ‘I have ceased dealing with Mr Boyle due to a get-out clause in the policy – that is what I have exercised.
‘I got the leases made up and he didn’t get a lawyer to check them – that’s where he went wrong.
‘I’ve lost my partner to cancer and I’m still recovering from that. I haven’t been in touch with Mr Boyle because I am just back from holiday. That’s all I have to say on the matter.’
Boyle disputes this claim though, alleging that there is ‘no get-out clause’.
He added: ‘Legal action is being taken as the leases have four years to run.
‘My solicitors have looked over the details and say Mr Sandeman is still liable. I am instructing them to begin legal proceedings.’
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