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Rogue traders in West Berkshire jailed




Builders conned homeowners out of thousands of pounds and preyed on "vulnerable" people

TWO builders who conned West Berkshire and Oxfordshire homeowners out of thousands of pounds have been jailed.

The partners, who ran AS Contractors of Oxford, were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on January 9 after being found guilty at a trial in December last year.

Trevor Bateman, aged 54, of Oakham Close, Swindon, was sentenced to four years in prison for ten counts of fraud, seven counts of unfair trading and six charges of money laundering.

David Merriman, aged 49, of Swansdowne Drive, Nottinghamshire, received a three-and-a-half year prison sentence for six counts of fraud, six counts of unfair trading and six of money laundering.

The pair, who had denied the charges, were found guilty for not finishing work which had been paid for and failing to complete work to a satisfactory standard at ten houses across Oxfordshire and two in West Berkshire following an investigation by Trading Standards at both Oxfordshire County Council and West Berkshire Council.

Kevin Thompson, a case officer in West Berkshire Trading Standards' investigation, said after the trial that rogue traders targetted the most vulnerable members of society.

“We had two victims in this case; one in Purley and one in Newbury,” he said. ”Both were elderly ladies living alone. In both cases no cancellation rights were given.

“The lady in Purley was badgered to have more and more work done and the costs escalated to £16, 500, but only £7,000 worth of work had been carried out.

“The second victim, who lived in Newbury, was targeted by cold calling. She was persuaded to have the work surfaces in her kitchen changed. This type of cold calling is becoming more and more common. Rogue traders know where vulnerable people live and target them.

“Sometimes rogue traders carry out good work but gradually they take every opportunity to get as much money for as little work as possible.

“We would urge residents to look out for their neighbours and if they see any suspicious behaviour call Trading Standards or the police.”



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