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Contractor prosecuted for cold calling elderly homeowners and offering work at inflated prices (19 January 2016)

Date: 19/01/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Contractor prosecuted for cold calling elderly homeowners and offering work at inflated prices

A rogue trader whose gang cold called elderly homeowners to persuade them to have work carried out on their homes at inflated prices has been prosecuted at Bodmin Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Thomas Delaney of Braintree in Essex used misleading paperwork to encourage his victims to waive their rights to obtain other quotes – and instead persuaded them to have their driveway or roof jet-washed straight away at a cost of up to £950.

The incidents had come to light when a concerned neighbour saw the gang jet-washing a roof and had raised the alarm.

Trading Standards Officers attended the house with the police and intervened, arresting the gang and preventing payment of the bill. A further victim was identified nearby.

Delaney pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him and his company –
Betterview Construction Ltd – following an investigation by Cornwall Council Trading Standards.

Delaney had offered a “No comment” interview and provided the court with no reasonable excuse.

He was fined a total of nearly £16,000, including costs.

After the hearing, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Geoff Brown, said:

“The size of fine shows that the court fully recognised the vulnerability of the victims in this case.

“But once again, this incident demonstrates the need for everyone to be on their guard against cold callers – and to always say ‘No’ to anyone who turns up at the door without an invitation or appointment.”

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