Roofer jailed again after conning elderly couple
ACONMAN roofer who took £500 from an elderly couple without doing any work has been jailed for the second time in 18 months.
David John Hanford was found to have failed to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Order brought by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards.
Hanford, of Swansea, was ordered by Judge Vosper QC to serve a 12-month prison term at the hearing at Swansea County Court on Friday, March 31.
The court heard how within three months of being released in February 2016, Hanford had returned to work offering roofing services, despite previously assuring the court he would not do so, as he had a new job as a courier.
In June 2016, trading as Roofguard UK, he approached an elderly couple in Burry Port and offered to clean their roof and renew the guttering for the discounted price of £400.
He wanted a £200 cash deposit straight away, which he received. He returned a few days later asking for the remaining £200, which he also received. He then returned again, telling the couple the discount was no longer available and they would have to pay another £200.
They paid £100 and Hanford wanted to drive the husband to a cashpoint to withdraw the remaining £100. The husband refused, as he was his wife’s full-time carer. He reported the matter to the police and agreed to phone them if Hanford returned.
A couple of days later, Hanford returned and the police were called. Hanford was driving a van with parcels and he told the officer he was a courier.
He said he would carry out the work for the couple that week but he never returned and has not refunded any money.
Another couple, from Cardiff, who placed an online advert for roof repairs, were contacted by Hanford in July 2016 and given a quote of £525.
He said no deposit was required, yet when the contract was agreed the next day, he demanded a £105 deposit, which was paid. Hanford did not show up to start work and the couple were given excuses for the delay. He has not returned since.
Pembrokeshire Council obtained the order against Hanford in 2012, when he was living and trading in the county. The order sets out a number of terms protecting consumers which Hanford must not breach. In these two cases, Hanford breached the order by failing to give a 14-day cancellation notice, taking deposits and failing to carry out the agreed work.
Judge Vosper raised concern at the long history of complaints against Hanford for defrauding the elderly.
Sandra McSparron, of Pembrokeshire Council, said after the hearing: “Pembrokeshire Trading Standards will always strive to deal with rogue traders and seek justice.”