Two rogue traders who conned an elderly man out of almost £30,000 for poor roof work that was not needed have been sentenced.
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council said Nathan Lee, aged 35, and Tarn Price, aged 34, appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court following an investigation by trading standards.
The court heard how Lee, of New Cross Street, Tipton, cold-called the Sedgley pensioner, claiming repair work needed to be undertaken to his roof.
Lee initially quoted £2,000 for the work but, the council said, he kept saying there were additional issues, giving him the opportunity to charge the pensioner thousands more.
In a statement the council said: “The court heard that the work was unnecessary and did not meet relevant British Standards.”
The council said Lee then offered the man the services of his cousin Tarn Price, of Showell Road Caravan Site, Wolverhampton, to jet wash the roof. The elderly resident initially refused but work went ahead, and he was charged for it.
The borough council said Lee was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. Price was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to undertake 180 hours of unpaid work. Price was also ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation.
The council said: “The rogue traders’ work has resulted in expensive damage to the roof, which now requires work at a cost of around £10,000.
“Costs and compensation were adjourned for Lee, who has already been ordered to pay £5,000 to cover the expenses of Dudley Council’s trading standards.”
Christopher King, head of trading standards at Dudley Council, said: “This is a shocking case of two rogue traders taking advantage of an elderly and vulnerable man.
“The judge called Lee’s actions despicable, and we are pleased we have been able to successfully bring this case before the courts.
“This prosecution serves as a reminder that we will not hesitate to take action against dishonest traders.”
