So not unreasonably, perhaps, Gordon Gibson believed that when his TV stopped working after only a year Currys would swiftly replace it.

But no, because in fact it went kaput 12 months and two weeks after purchase. Currys said its one-year warranty had expired so Gordon was not due an automatic replacement or free repair.

When he pointed he was covered under the Sale of Goods Act he was shocked to be told the onus was on him to prove the TV was faulty and not damaged or worn out.

An independent engineer quoted £182 to do a report.

Gordon, aged 52, of Meadowhead, Sheffield, said he was dismayed at Currys' attitude.

He added: "I've got a right to believe a television should last more than a year. But they're saying there's nothing they can do for me. I think £500 should buy me more than nothing."

Action

A CURRYS spokesman said: "Although Mr Gibson's television is now out of warranty we would of course be happy to repair or replace the television if it is faulty.

"However, we can only consider a claim once it has been established that the television hasn't failed as a result of accidental damage or reasonable wear and tear.

"After the warranty has expired it is the responsibility of the customer to provide an engineer's report to this effect.

"We'd be happy to repair or replace the television if it is confirmed faulty - and, to be quite clear, the engineer's assessment costs would be refunded in full were this the case."

The law says

THE Sale of Goods Act states an item must be 'as described', fit for purpose, of satisfactory quality - durable, free from defects and safe - and last for a 'reasonable' period taking into account the price and description.

Phil Glaves of Sheffield Trading Standards said: "The retailer would have us believe that liability starts and ends, strictly within the guarantee they provide.

"Not true! The seller's guarantee is additional to 'statutory rights' and so might be ignored in favour of the general legal protections afforded under the Sale of Goods Act.

"Nowhere in the act does it limit the seller's liability to 12 months, however after the first six months of the contract the buyer will have to prove the fault is the responsibility of the retailer.

"So if all the goodwill between the parties has vanished you might have to pay for an engineer's report on the TV, so there's evidence of the fault.

"Expensive items such as electrical goods, furniture and washing machines should be expected to last for several years.

"Consumers should be able to claim compensation from the retailer if they break down within a reasonable period as long as they have been used normally. Your rights do not come to an end after 12 months just because the manufacturer or the retailer says so."

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