A warning had been issued to residents to be wary of cold callers, after two rogue traders were sentenced to 45 months imprisonment.

Following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team, Harry Davies (28) of Braithwaite Close, Banbury and Ben Birch (45) of Steeple Aston were both sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 45 months imprisonment for fraudulent trading.

Between March and September of 2021, Davies and Birch cold-called at the home of an elderly resident in Headington, Oxford, with offers to carry out work to their property, including gardening, guttering, fencing, widow replacement and the laying of new tarmac.

In total, Davies and Birch obtained payments totalling over £477,000.

However, the investigation by trading standards found that the work to the property had been poorly carried out and, in some cases, not completed at all.

Two independent surveyors identified that, if the work had been conducted to the correct standard, it was estimated to have cost less than £85,000.

In sentencing the pair, the judge said that this case had a host of distressing features and was a “shocking example of gross exploitation of a very vulnerable person”. 

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “These offences were carried out with significant planning and over a long period, with lasting impact on the victim and their family. The perpetrators displayed cynical attempts to win their victim’s trust and allay suspicion.  They could not have failed to appreciate they were vulnerable yet continued to prey on them. 

“I’m proud of the trading standards team in bringing this matter before the court and we will continue to work with the police and others to ensure that such fraud is identified and those responsible held to account”.

Jody Kerman, Head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council, said “We advise residents to say no to cold-calling offers of home repairs and maintenance and for anyone looking for a reliable trader to always get a number of detailed quotes. You can also check with friends and family for trusted recommendations and consider a trading standards’ approved trader from our Buy with Confidence scheme.

“Any Oxfordshire resident that has concerns about activity of this nature should report it to trading standards using the Citizens Advice national consumer helpline 0808 223 1133. However, if they believe a crime is in progress, call 999”.

More information

His Honour Judge Daly identified this case carried high culpability and high impact and therefore took a starting point to sentencing of six years. Taking into account aggravating and mitigating features this was reduced to 60 months, then a 25 per cent discount for plea, reducing to total of 45 months imprisonment.

Credit to:

https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/rogue-traders-sentenced-for-fraudulent-trading/