A ROGUE builder has been hit with a court bill of almost £4,000 after he took nearly £5,000 from a Brierley Hill resident for rendering work but failed to finish the job.
Adrian Jones, of Chapel Street, Pensnett, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the consumer of statutory cancellation rights and two counts of failing to exercise professional diligence by not completing the work and failing to return monies to the householder when he appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court.
The 35-year-old had quoted £5,000 to externally render the house and initially took a £500 deposit – the court was told.
After work started in June 2015 he then requested more payments, with five made - totalling £4,740. But he only finished the front of the house – despite having promised to complete the job before the end of July 2015.
The property was left with the old rendering removed from the side and rear and scaffolding in place.
Jones promised the resident on numerous occasions he would return to complete the job - the court was told.
But he didn’t and he failed to provide a refund.
At the end of the hearing on February 9 – Jones, who apologised to the court, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £2,500 compensation to the householder and £1,491 costs to Dudley Council.
Councillor Rachel Harris, Dudley’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “This prosecution sends out a clear message we will protect consumers from the activity of rogue traders who flout the law and carry out sub-standard work.
“This kind of activity causes a huge amount distress to the victims who have worked hard and saved to pay for improvements to their home and are then badly let down.”
Anyone suspicious about doorstep callers can call Dudley Council’s Bogus Caller Hotline on 01384 812045 to report an incident 24/7.
Dudley Trading Standards, in partnership with Age UK Dudley, also offers a Fix a Home list of local approved traders who provide services of a high standard at a fair cost.
Copies are available online at http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/your-council/trading-standards/fix-a-home/
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