A banned “cowboy and rogue” builder who used false names to secure work in Bristol has been jailed for two years.
Appearing in Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, March 3, John Ward, of Burnley in Lancashire, pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying on business for a fraudulent purpose, and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order that was in place against him from a previous conviction.
Ward was found to have registered under a false name on online tradesperson directory Rated People in order to advertise and solicit building work in the city.
The court heard Ward provided a homeowner with false information about who he was and carried out the work to such a poor standard that his victim then had to pay other tradesmen to finish his work or carry out repairs from damage he had caused.
In sentencing Judge Michael Longman said: “Cowboy and rogue traders like you are a menace. You hold yourself out as competent when you are not. You leech on decent members of the public… leaving them in need of expenditure for repair work to make good your deficiencies.”
In addition to a two-year prison sentence, Ward was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Ward’s sentencing follows an investigation by Bristol City Council’s trading standards department. Cllr Nicola Beach said the case highlighted risks rogue traders posed communities.
Ms Beach said: “At this time it’s hugely important for citizens to have confidence in Bristol’s tradespeople. Residents have every right to know who they are dealing with and to expect trustworthy and professional services.
“Our officers remain committed to investigating those who exploit that trust through scams and rogue trading. We are sending a clear message that rogue traders are not welcome in Bristol and we will take action to stop them from operating.”
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