The shameless criminal fortunately took deposits and money for brand new roofs after which vanished with out doing the work.
Broken roofs had been by no means repaired – and new roofs not accomplished (Picture: Getty)
A grasping rogue dealer who scammed over £75,000 from 16 purchasers for brand new roofs or repairs that by no means occurred has been jailed for 32 months. Richard Williams, 53, focused victims from all throughout the North-West of England from Could 2019 to September 2023 taking lump sums upfront for supplies and deposits, then failing to show as much as do the work.
This shameless scamming sparked a probe by Cheshire West and Chester Council Buying and selling Requirements chiefs and Williams was lastly jailed for 16 counts of fraud by false illustration. At Chester Crown Court docket Choose Simon Berkson caged the criminal for 32 months, explaining how the council’s Buying and selling Requirements crew had carried out a “painstaking examination of the case.”
The Council’s Cupboard Member for Neighbourhood Delight and Neighborhood Security, Councillor Stuart Bingham mentioned: “I’m actually happy that our Buying and selling Requirements Officers had been capable of assist these residents get justice.
“The injury carried out by rogue merchants goes past cash and is an actual menace to their victims’ psychological and bodily well being.
“Rogue merchants like this face going to jail, huge fines and compensation orders.
“Our Buying and selling Requirements Officers work exhausting to guard residents in Cheshire West and Chester from this sort of fraudulent enterprise exercise, however they want your assist.
“Please report anybody you suppose could also be a ‘cowboy builder’ in order that we are able to carry them to justice.”
The court docket heard how Williams, of the Wirral, took cash from a number of purchasers however didn’t full roofing and renovation work.
Most of the 16 victims attended the two-hour sentencing listening to to observe with satisfaction as he was despatched right down to the cells.
Offences occurred between Could 2019 and September 2023 and his victims had been from Cheshire, Merseyside and Flintshire.
The decide was advised that when the vast majority of the contracted worth was paid, Williams would fail to point out up on the victims’ addresses.
He left them with incomplete work, which they needed to have accomplished by a 3rd get together contractor. What little work Williams did was of poor high quality and in lots of instances wanted to be eliminated and re-done.
In some instances, cash was taken and no work was carried out in any respect. The full worth of the fraud was £75,840.
After the listening to lots of Williams’ victims – solely utilizing their first names – commented on his sentencing.
“The impression of Richard Williams’ actions has been devastating – each financially and emotionally.
“I used to be left with vital monetary loss and a house that was uninhabitable, one thing that has and can take years to recuperate from.”
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