Billingham roofer who conned customers out of nearly £25,000 sentenced

Joseph Gardener, 34, of East Avenue, Billingham, trading as J&J Roofing, was found guilty of a total of nine offences at Teesside Crown Court last Friday (29 October).

Three of his offences were under the Fraud Act 2006 and six under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Mr Gardener was given a sentence of nine months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days.

He will also have to pay £750 a month in compensation to his nine victims, with the varying amounts per victim decided by the judge totalling £12,350.

The court heard how, between October 2018 and December 2020, Mr Gardener was contracted by nine customers to complete roof replacements, guttering work or repairs at their properties.

After receiving deposits for each of the jobs, he then failed to adequately complete any of the work paid for or completed the work to a poor standard.

In one case, Mr Gardener was contracted to install a roof on a new extension but persuaded the customer to also let him construct the rest of the build.

After incorrectly digging out the foundations, which had to be rectified by another tradesperson, he went on to request further money to continue with the job.

This pattern continued with any work being done slowly and of poor quality, requiring correction. The completed roof then leaked the first time it rained.

In total, this customer was left out of pocket to the tune of £8,860 (in addition to the £11,150 they had already paid to Mr Gardener) in order to rectify and complete the build.

Another customer contracted Mr Gardener to replace a roof and construct a loft conversion and was asked to pay more money upfront for materials.

When a hole appeared in an upstairs bedroom, causing water to enter the home, Mr Gardener did not return to fix the problem for weeks and repeatedly gave excuses as to why he could not attend.

His work at this property was of such poor standard that two other independent traders declined to provide the customer with quotes to rectify the work.

When pushed for refunds by his dissatisfied customers, Mr Gardener arranged repayment plans which he failed to pay or only made part-payments.

In total, his customers lost close to £25,000.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "Mr Gardener's actions have caused his customers significant financial and emotional distress.

"I hope the suspended sentence, rehabilitation days and compensation order handed to him will serve as a lesson that traders must take their legal responsibilities seriously or face the consequences in court.

"The Council's Trading Standards team always investigate reports of sub-standard work. We advise residents looking to make home improvements to get at least three quotes for the work, seek recommendations from friends and family, and take your time on a decision.

"In addition, large sums of money should only changes hands when the job has been completed to your satisfaction."

For help and advice from our Trading Standards team, call 01642 526560 or email trading.standards@stockton.gov.uk