A rogue trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after misleading a local resident into paying thousands of pounds for unnecessary roofing work.
Twenty-five-year-old Douggie Whitbread, of Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded the homeowner that they “probably needed a new roof,” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or completed to a poor standard.
Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between 12 August and 16 October 2023.
He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. This includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.
The prosecution followed a detailed investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team.
Commenting on the case, Cllr Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, said:
“This conviction sends a clear message that we will not tolerate rogue traders exploiting residents for financial gain. Our Trading Standards team works hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased to see justice served in this case. We urge residents to remain vigilant, seek reputable quotes, and avoid agreeing to work with cold callers or unsolicited traders.”
Residents are encouraged to report concerns about fraudulent or suspicious trading practices to the Council or through national consumer advice services.
