One victim paid £15,000 for an extension that the perpetrators left unfinished as a half-built shell, open to the elements, possibly structurally unsound. The retaining wall was built with inadequate foundations and the boundary wall was built poorly, requiring significant remedial work.
Another victim agreed to pay the firm once the building job was completed but was pressured into paying £12,500 before the work was left unfinished and of poor quality – to the extent that a new wall built by the firm collapsed. A surveyor has since found that other walls are at risk of falling down and estimated the cost of rectifying the work would be £23,730.
A neighbour experienced similar issues when another hazardous wall built by one of the perpetrators collapsed, crushing a wheelbarrow and scattering bricks into the garden. The perpetrators again left the job unfinished – pocketing £2,800 in the process – while the cost of repairing the remaining walls will exceed £17,000.
Ronald Connors, aged 49, of Rembrandt Way, Newport, was jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to fraud and professional diligence charges. He also pleaded guilty to aggressive practice.
Jeremiah Connors, aged 25, of Rembrandt Way, and sole director of Trade Price Paving Ltd, was given a 55-week prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and two counts of professional diligence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs). He will have to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Simon Connors, aged 28, also of Rembrandt Way, was jailed for 23 months suspended for two years after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and two professional diligence charges. He will have to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Newport City Council prosecuted the trio following an investigation led by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team Wales and supported by Newport City Council and Bristol City Council trading standards officers.
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Taking thousands of pounds from homeowners for poor quality and unfinished work – much of it hazardous – shows a cruel disregard for customers and their safety. Victims were put in danger in their own homes and now face forking out vast sums to repair the damage done.
“This sentence sends a strong message that these sorts of crimes do not go unpunished. I would like to thank the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team (Wales) and all of the trading standards officers involved in this case for their work in bringing these fraudsters to justice.
“If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a fraud like this, you should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.”
