Cowboy forced to pay thousands after conning homeowner

A rogue trader who conned a homeowner into paying thousands of pounds for unnecessary roofing work has been ordered to pay more than £6,000.

Douggie Whitbread, 25, of Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, wrongly convinced Keith Hallett he “probably needed a new roof” on his home on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach – before charging him £4,350.

Whitbread appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on December 11, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130.

This includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, and a £200 fine – as well as an £80 victim surcharge, which goes towards funding victim services.

The offences took place between August 12, 2023, and October 16, 2023.

The prosecution followed an investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team.

Councillor Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for planning and public protection, said:
“This conviction sends a clear message that we will not tolerate rogue traders exploiting residents for financial gain.

“Our Trading Standards team works hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased to see justice served in this case. We urge residents to remain vigilant, seek reputable quotes, and avoid agreeing to work with cold callers or unsolicited traders.”