Rogue trader scammed 16 victims for £75,000 for roofs he never started | UK | News
Damaged roofs were never repaired and new roofs were not completed (Image: Getty)
A greedy rogue trader who stole more than £75,000 from 16 customers for new roofs or repairs that never took place has been jailed for 32 months. Richard Williams, 53, targeted victims from across the North West of England from May 2019 to September 2023, receiving lump sums in advance for materials and deposits, then failing to turn up to carry out the work.
The shameless scam sparked an investigation by Cheshire West and Chester Council Trading Standards chiefs, and Williams was eventually jailed on 16 counts of fraud by false representation. Chester Crown Court Judge Simon Berkson kept the fraudster caged for 32 months and said the council’s Trading Standards team carried out a “careful review of the case”.
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Councilor Stuart Bingham, Council Cabinet Member for Neighborhood Pride and Community Safety, said: “I am really pleased that our Trading Standards Officers have been able to help these residents get justice.
“The damage caused by rogue traders goes beyond money and poses a real threat to the mental and physical health of their victims.
“Rogue traders like these face jail time, huge fines and compensation orders.
“Our Trading Standards Officers work hard to protect residents of Cheshire West and Chester from this type of fraudulent activity but they need your help.
“Please report anyone you think is a ‘cowboy builder’ so we can bring them to justice.”
The court heard Williams, of Wirral, took money from multiple customers but did not complete the roofing and renovation work.
Many of the 16 victims attended the two-hour sentencing hearing to watch with satisfaction as he was sent to the cells.
The offenses occurred between May 2019 and September 2023 and the victims were from Cheshire, Merseyside and Flintshire.
The judge was told that Williams would not come to the victims’ addresses after the majority of the contract price was paid.
It left them with incomplete work that had to be completed by a third-party contractor. What little work Williams did did was of poor quality and in many cases had to be removed and redone.
In some cases money was taken and no work was done. The total value of the fraud was £75,840.
Following the hearing, many of Williams’ victims – using only their first names – commented on his sentencing.
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Chester Royal Court (Image: MEN Media)
Janine explained: “He not only stole my money, he also stole my peace of mind and my dream of home.
“Not only did I lose my money, but I had to pay more, never did the work originally agreed and hired new builders to complete it.”
Gareth said: “It’s been a long journey but we’ve got a result. Friday was an emotional day for many of us.”
Louise added: “As we wait for justice to be served, I would like to express my gratitude to Cheshire West Trading Standards and Chester Council and the other victims involved in this case for their bravery and resilience throughout this long process.
“What they did has completely destroyed our trust in tradespeople. The emotional, financial and practical effects of their actions will stay with us for a very long time.”
Sophie said: “I am relieved that the court recognized the seriousness of the incident and imposed a prison sentence.
“The impact of Richard Williams’ actions has been devastating, both financially and emotionally.
“I am left with a significant financial loss and an uninhabitable house, which will and will take years to recover.”
