A rogue trader who manipulated an 85-year-old Swindon woman into handing over £26,000 for unnecessary and substandard building work has been given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Michael Connors, 29, trading as Perennial Home Improvements Limited, previously pleaded guilty to fraud and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on 20 February.
He was also ordered to pay £18,800 in compensation and £6,000 in costs.
Exploiting trust
Connors had befriended the victim over several years, regularly knocking on her door to chat and offer his services.
In August 2023, after being asked to power wash her driveway, he carried out incomplete work and failed to seal the surface, yet charged £1,000 in cash.
While at the property, he claimed a roof tile was loose and later told the householder she had rats in the attic and required a new roof. After being paid £6,000 in cash, he secured a cheque for a further £20,000. Concerned family members intervened before the cheque was cashed and demanded its return.
Connors was also displaying the Checkatrade logo despite having been removed from the scheme the previous year.
“Quite abysmal” workmanship
Chartered surveyor Tim Davies, of TR Davies Ltd, found no evidence of rodent activity or water ingress. He described the workmanship as “quite abysmal” and indicative of operatives lacking even basic competence in roofing work.
The victim was left facing a £12,000 repair bill after her roof was damaged.
Speaking after the case, the victim said she felt betrayed by someone she believed was a friend. Her daughter urged families to remain vigilant and seek help if elderly relatives or neighbours appear to be targeted.
Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Swindon Borough Council, described the offence as “a calculated and exploitative crime targeting a vulnerable elderly woman”.
He thanked the victim for her bravery in supporting the prosecution and bringing the offender to justice.
Warning over doorstep crime
The case highlights ongoing concerns about doorstep crime and rogue traders targeting older or vulnerable householders.
Residents with concerns about traders operating in their area, or who believe someone may be under pressure to agree to home-repair contracts, are urged to contact Trading Standards and police immediately.
Householders or concerned relatives can raise issues with Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or through the Citizens Advice website.
