Rogue trader’s elderly victims overcharged by thousands of pounds

REPAIR WORK HE CARRIED OUT WAS TO A POOR STANDARD AND OF MINIMAL VALUE

A CONMAN who overcharged elderly victims for substandard repairs to their homes has been sentenced for his crimes.

Andrew Elliott, of Pinfold Lane in Stapleford, traded under his company name Elliott Homecare.

The 34-year-old targeted elderly victims by cold-calling them and “significantly overcharging” them for repairs to their properties.

A family member of one of his victims contacted Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team and an investigation was subsequently launched into his operations.

Elliott offered to undertake work which consisted of roofing, garage and bathroom repairs. But his work was substandard and incomplete, despite him being paid in full, the council says.

Trading Standards found each victim had been overcharged by thousands of pounds for the works, which were of minimal value.

He further failed to fix outstanding issues on the contracted works despite being contacted on numerous occasions by the victims.

Councillor Tom Smith, vice-chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s communities committee, said: “We are pleased that this individual must now pay compensation to his victims for the work that he knowingly undertook to a poor standard before significantly overcharging for it.

“Unfortunately, scammers often target those who are most vulnerable in our communities without a second thought.”

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on August 4, Elliott was sentenced by Recorder Paul Mann QC.

Recorder Mann sentenced him to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, after he pleaded guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Elliott must now also pay compensation to his victims and undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

Councillor Smith added: “Thankfully, in this case, justice has been done and I would like to recognise the work of our Trading Standards team who, after receiving a report of Mr Elliott’s practices, were able to bring a case against him after enquiries with partner agencies found other complaints against him. “Our Trading Standards team will continue to crack down on rogue traders in Nottinghamshire and I would like to pass my thanks to them for their diligence in helping to bring Mr Elliott to justice.” The council added: “If you are concerned you or someone you know has been a victim of a rogue trader, report this to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.”

Our Trading Standards team will continue to crack down on rogue traders in Notts.

Coun Tom Smith