A builder from Barry has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment after being convicted of fraud and misleading consumer offences relating to substandard building work that left a family facing significant financial loss and unsafe living conditions.
On the 21st May 2026, at Cardiff Crown Court, Mark Anthony Batt, 45, was given a nine-month custodial sentence following a prosecution concerning building work carried out at a property in Caerphilly County Borough.
The court heard that Batt accepted approximately £39,000 from the homeowner for building works that were left substantially incomplete and of an extremely poor standard. An independent building surveyor found that multiple aspects of the construction failed to comply with Building Regulations and concluded that much of the work was of little monetary value.
As a result of the defective workmanship, the property was deemed structurally unsafe and condemned, forcing the family – including a young child – to leave their home immediately.
For several months, the family endured significant hardship, preparing and eating meals in a small garage that had been temporarily converted into a kitchen and relying on the support and generosity of relatives for everyday living arrangements.
Further investigations revealed that the majority of the work carried out by Batt had to be demolished and rebuilt, resulting in additional costs of approximately £89,000 to rectify the damage.
Councillor Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection said:
“This case demonstrates the devastating impact that rogue traders can have on families. The victims in this case suffered not only substantial financial losses but also significant disruption to their daily lives after being forced from their home because of unsafe building work.
“Consumers place their trust in traders to carry out work honestly, competently and in accordance with the law. When that trust is abused, we will not hesitate to take action. This prosecution sends a clear message that fraudulent and misleading business practices will not be tolerated, and we remain committed to protecting residents from those who seek to exploit them.”
