‘Prolific’ cowboy builder Mark Killick guilty of 37 counts of fraud

A “prolific rogue trader” who lured customers in with his “charm and charisma” was found guilty of 37 fraud offences.

Mark Killick, who also operates under the aliases Marc Cole and Mark Jenkins, failed to complete building works at properties in the West of England between December 2019 and November 2021.

Paulton, 56, of Shoe Lane, Somerset He was found guilty of 37 fraud charges and was previously cleared of one of these at Bristol Crown Court following a three-month trial. This is his fourth conviction for fraud since 2008.

The prosecution highlighted Killick’s spending on luxury goods, including a £25,000 Rolex watch that he claimed was an asset for the failing business.

The jury could not reach a verdict on eight more charges against him.

Avon and Somerset Police and Trading Standards received more than 100 complaints against Killick, covering the period between 2019 and 2021.

Martyn Nicklin, of Bristol Trading Standards, said Killick offered people their “dream extension” or refurbishment, which he initiated but often “left completely unfinished”.

He described Killick as “an excellent salesman” who used his “charisma and charm” to defraud people.

“I think he’s one of the most prolific rogue traders we’ve ever dealt with, if not the most prolific,” he said.

“Of course, the scale of it, the number of victims, the financial impact; the damage it has caused is enormous,” he added.

Killick claimed in court that he had intended to run an honest business but was hindered by factors beyond his control, including labor shortages due to the pandemic and England’s success in the Euros.

He had a car accident on the M5 on 17 May 2021 and has repeatedly used this as an excuse for delays.

The prosecution said Killick spent money on overnight stays at luxury resorts on what he claimed were business trips.

He also bought expensive jewellery, including a £25,000 Rolex Submariner watch he bought from a jeweler in Bath in August 2020; Just days after he was given a £50,000 Covid repayment loan.