A Blackwood man has been sentenced in relation to charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Companies Act 2006.
Local Builder, David Hughes (aged 50) of Pen-y-Cwarel Road, Wyllie, was found guilty of 5 charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 at Newport Magistrates Court on November 11th.
Hughes, who traded as DH Builders, had previously pleaded guilty to 5 charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and 2 charges under the Companies Act 2006 however, no further penalty was imposed for the Companies Act Offences.
Hughes was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. He was also ordered to pay £12,500 compensation to the two victims and also £2,500 costs to Trading Standards and £115 surcharge.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team received a complaint from a resident in Llanbradach in early 2019 regarding work that Hughes had been contracted to do. The contract was to build a garden wall and do patio work and other works; £2500 was paid to Hughes upfront. Not all of the work was completed and the paving that was completed was not up to standard.
During the course of the investigation, a complaint was also received from a resident of Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire. In this case, Hughes was paid £10,000 upfront for a loft conversion. The work however was never started and Hughes did not respond to requests to repay the monies.
The 2008 Regulations Charges related to failing to give consumers Notice of Cancellation Rights, failing to undertake work that had been paid for and in relation to work that was carried out, that it was not carried out with professional diligence.
The Companies Act offences related to Receipts given by Hughes that did not include his name and address.
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Public Protection commented, “This is yet another great example of the sterling work our Trading Standards Team undertake to ensure the wellbeing of our residents. It is important that we investigate complaints and take the necessary action when required. We are pleased with the Court’s decision and hope that it will act as a warning to other traders.”
