Rogue builder jailed after leaving family out of pocket

A rogue builder has been jailed for nine months after leaving a family tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket and living in unsafe conditions.

Mark Anthony Batt, 45, of Digby Street, Barry, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on May 21 after being convicted of fraud and misleading consumer offences.

The prosecution followed building work Batt carried out at a property in Caerphilly County Borough.

The court heard that Batt accepted around £39,000 from the homeowner for construction work that was left substantially incomplete and carried out to a poor standard.

An independent building surveyor found multiple elements of the work failed to comply with building regulations and concluded it had little monetary value.

As a result, the property was deemed structurally unsafe and condemned, forcing the family – including a young child – to leave their home.

The family suffered significant financial hardship and disruption. While alternative living arrangements were sought with the support of relatives, they were forced to prepare and eat meals in a garage that had been temporarily converted into a kitchen.

Investigators later found that most of the work carried out by Batt had to be demolished and rebuilt. The cost of rectifying the damage was estimated at approximately £89,000.

Councillor Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “This case demonstrates the devastating impact that rogue traders can have on families. The victims in this case suffered not only substantial financial losses but also significant disruption to their daily lives after being forced from their home because of unsafe building work.

“Consumers place their trust in traders to carry out work honestly, competently and in accordance with the law. When that trust is abused, we will not hesitate to take action.”

She added: “This prosecution sends a clear message that fraudulent and misleading business practices will not be tolerated, and we remain committed to protecting residents from those who seek to exploit them.”