Following an investigation by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS), Bridgend based window and UPVC fitter Jordan Klein Jones has been sentenced to 32 months in prison after defrauding 22 customers out of thousands of pounds.
In a case brought by Bridgend County Borough Council, Jones’ company (KJ Windows Limited) cold called many of its victims and took money for works and materials without ever returning.
In situations where work had actually been carried out, it was often of a poor and even dangerous standard. Cardiff Crown Court heard that victims were regularly given a string of excuses such as the weather, Covid-19, staffing issues, failed deliveries, and incorrect measurements being taken.
Victim impact statements also showed how the defendant had abused the confidence and trust of the residents and how some had needed to borrow money to rectify what he had done. In one property, he broke the frame for a picture of a victim’s grandson, who had recently died and showed no remorse.
In total, Jones entered 15 guilty pleas at earlier hearings, and this wasn’t the first encounter that SRS has had with Jordan Klein Jones. A previous investigation resulted in him being convicted for similar offences in 2018.
In addition to his immediate prison sentence of 32 months, Jones has also been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order, which will remain in effect for 10 years.
This will prevent him from canvassing for business or instructing others to do so on his behalf, being a director of a ‘home improvements’ company and from being involved in estimating, quoting, or collecting payments from customers in relation to this field.
Judge Jonathan Rees KC said Jones had carried out deliberate reckless trading and abused people’s trust by “begging, nagging and pressurising” them into sending money. The judge gave him credit for his early guilty pleas and acknowledged the impact prison would have on his family but said the offences were too serious to avoid a custodial sentence.
I welcome this conviction as many of Jordan Klein Jones’ victims have not only suffered from physical damage to their properties, but they have been left with mental scars too.
This case demonstrates the important role that the council through our Shared Regulatory Service plays in bringing criminals to justice and this conviction sends out a strong message to any other rogue traders working in the county borough.
I would encourage residents to visit the SRS website for advice on how to avoid rogue traders and how to report a problem if something goes wrong. In the middle of a cost of living crisis, it has never been more important to take your time, and do your research, to find reputable traders for all home improvement work.
Councillor Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Housing Planning and Regeneration, and Chair of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Committee
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing to determine compensation and costs will take place next February.
