Crime Solicitors

Sheffield Council’s Trading Standards department has prosecuted two rogue traders, who carried out shoddy maintenance work on properties after door stepping homeowners to drum up business.

Trading Standards officers in Sheffield say they have been investigating an increasing number of cases involving cold callers, who charge “extortionate” prices for poor quality or unnecessary work – often leaving properties in a worse state than when they found them.

The cold and wet weather across the UK has made homeowners more concerned about the state of their properties– and cold callers and door steppers selling maintenance services may take advantage of this, warns Sheffield Council.

At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 11 February, Joseph Gaskin, 51 – trading as Roofmaster – pleaded guilty to four offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Gaskin of Land’s End Road, Thorne in Doncaster admitted failing to provide cancellation rights, breaching his requirement of professional diligence, failing to provide correct details about his business – and providing a bogus guarantee.

The court heard Gaskin attempted to charge his victim £480 to replace a few roof tiles and for some re-pointing work.

An expert report described the work as “incorrectly executed, unsightly, inadequate, ineffectual and valueless”.

Gaskin was fined £400, ordered to pay costs of £687.51and a £30 victim surcharge.

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court also heard evidence against Sam McCready, 26, of Redmires Road in Sheffield – trading as Drive Medic.

McCready pleaded guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations – he admitted contravening the requirements of professional diligence in respect of honest market practice and good faith, and failing to provide cancellation rights to his victim.

In July 2015, McCready provided driveway cleaning services and while doing so, attempted to disguise the fact he had not completed the agreed work and misled the consumer into believing all the work had been carried out.

He was fined £350, ordered to pay costs of £527.60 and pay £450 in compensation to his victim.

After the hearing, Sheffield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Terry Fox, said:

“While we try to ensure local residents are wary of doorstep traders and are able to report their suspicions, both cases illustrate our determination to investigate all incidents of rogue trading and take legal action whenever possible.”

The council’s Head of Environmental Regulation, Ian Ashmore, advised:

“Don’t be tempted by the promise of a quick fix – ask for details in writing. Remember, if you’ve been cold called, you are entitled to a cooling off period.

“Take the time to consider if other quotes would be helpful – and don’t pay for everything in advance.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a public protection offence, including offences involving misrepresentation, fraud, breaches of health and safety or food hygiene, breaches of the Unfair Trading Regulations, selling counterfeit goods, mislabelling or weights and measures offences, and selling illegal cigarettes and alcohol.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can attend interviews with local authorities, the police, or prosecuting or investigating agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive or Environment Agency.

For expert legal advice on all public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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