A WELL-known businessman has appeared in court accused of selling unsafe quad bikes imported from China.

A total of 130 police and Trading Standards officers raided the warehouse in Oldham belonging to Vance Miller, 42.

They found quad bikes they suspected didn't comply with safety regulations.

Five bikes were seized. Four were found to be unsafe, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Darren Preston QC, prosecuting for Oldham council, said faults on the bikes included leaking fuel pipes, fuel caps venting exhaust fumes in the direction of the rider, faulty brakes and steering and unsecured batteries.

Two bikes designed for children had foot rests near engine parts and the drive chains were unguarded.

He said: "Each and every bike seized had a delivery note attached to them suggesting they were ready to go out the door straight to the customer."

The court heard that Mr Miller was given a suspension order following the safety checks. It banned him from selling quad bikes until further notice. But it is claimed he sold a different model of a £400 quad bike to a customer from Bolton.

Mr Miller, who owns Kitchens, at Maple Mill, Cardwell Street, Oldham, denies possessing and acting as producer for dangerous products and putting them on the market, failing to adopt safety measures and carry out tests, and breaching a suspension order. Jim Pickup, defending, said: "One of the vehicles was going to be delivered but there were seven days between the date you seized the vehicle and delivery and you can't say what was going to be done on them in that time.

"There was polythene on the saddle and lights of the bike - this doesn't appear ready for sale but that there was some work to be done."

Proceeding