A builder who provided a customer with a potentially dangerous garage roof has been sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered to pay £3,000.
Dean Ward, a director of Porth-based business Builders 247 Ltd, carried out building work at a house in Caerphilly in January 2012.
Ward, 29 of Maes Y Wern, Llanelli, used rotten joists for the garage roof and also double-charged a customer for supplies.
On examination by a chartered building surveyor, the work was found to be “in a dangerous condition” which would be unable to support normal loads.
The survey concluded: “The replacement structure did not meet any recognised constructional standards; it could not possibly have been constructed by a tradesperson with a basic knowledge of carpentry who has completed a trade apprenticeship as it has so many faults in use of materials in the correct manner….It is not fit for purpose and does not meet minimum requirements of the building regulations.”
After an investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards, Ward was prosecuted for offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and Fraud Act 2006.
The case was heard before Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court on Thursday August 8.
Ward was sentenced to 200 hours community service, ordered to pay £1511.99 prosecution costs and £1,500 in compensation to the customers affected.
Cllr Dave Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “In this case the builder was not only dishonest in his trading practices, he also showed a complete disregard for the personal safety of his customers.
“Through a thorough investigation by our Trading Standards officers, we have been able to prosecute him for his offences and highlight him as a bogus builder.
“I hope that this case encourages tradespeople to act fairly and safely in their business and that it encourages consumers to check that they are using reputable businesses to carry out any repair work they require.”
Another cowboy in our industry ruining the good reputation on welk established firms. Good on CCBC for highlighting and ultimately prosecuting this person. Hope it all worked out ok for the home owner
It's great that he was fined and given community service but there needs to be measures in please to assure everyone that such a cowboy will not be allowed to re-enter the construction industry. I can't help but think that the fine will be paid, the community service done and another company set up to start ripping people off all over again.