Rogue trader jailed after conning Pulborough family into paying for ‘unnecessary’ roof repairs

But the trader - 32-year-old Nathan Lee - was jailed for 18 months when he appeared before Horsham magistrates today (July 24).

West Sussex Trading Standards said that Lee, from Braintree, charged £6,500 for work which was in fact worth only £50 and that the work was carried out to a poor standard using incorrect materials.

Trading Standards say that Lee cold called on the Pulborough property in May 2019 and convinced the elderly residents that their roof was dangerous and would cost £6,500 to repair.

Worried that the roof would collapse, they agreed to pay him the sum in cash. They asked for a receipt which Lee failed to provide.

The woman and her son then reported Lee to West Sussex Trading Standards. An officer visited the property and instructed an independent Chartered Building Surveyor to inspect the work.

The surveyor said there was no need for the majority of the work and that it was carried out poorly using the wrong materials.

West Sussex Trading Standards team manager Richard Sargeant said: “Conning vulnerable people out of large sums of money is a serious crime.

“I would urge residents not to be pressured into having expensive work undertaken by a cold caller. We would always recommend using a Trading Standards approved ‘Buy With Confidence’ trader.”

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for environment, said after the hearing: “I would like to thank Trading Standards for bringing this individual to justice. This outcome sends a strong message to dishonest traders that we will find out and take action.”

To find a Trading Standards approved trader please visit: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of an unfair trading practice, can contact Trading Standards at www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.