Two rogue builders jailed after £93,000 fraud on vulnerable victim
Two rogue builders have been jailed after conning a homeowner out of nearly £93,000 in a doorstep scam.
In October 2021, a man in his early 60s became the first target of rogue builders Patrick Joseph Connors, 44 from Bristol, and John Joseph McEvoy, 33, from Cardiff.
The court heard how the pair knocked on his door and informed him that he needed fascias and soffits fixed on his house’s roof.
The victim initially told them he wasn’t interested, but they insisted and started the work.
The builders then ‘uncovered’ other issues with the roof that needed urgent repairs, and even a crack in the plasterwork in the house, the court heard.
Concerned by what was happening, it was reported to North Yorkshire Police on January 4, 2022.
Officers were made aware that the builders were returning the next day to do more work.
Connors and McEvoy got an unwelcome surprise when they were met by officers and arrested.
The victim initially made six payments between October 6 and 30 2021 to one account, and then a further 18 payments to another account between November 5 and December 22 2021.
Analysis of the transactions linked to an associate of Connors and McEvoy who remain subject of criminal proceedings.
The pair pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining £92,930 between 1 October 2021 and 5 January 2022 at a hearing earlier this month.
On Thursday (Mar 19), Connors was jailed for five years and McEvoy was jailed for three years at York Crown Court.
Detective Constable Nick Lane, of the Economic Crime Unit, led the long-running investigation which ultimately brought the offenders to justice.
DC Lane said: “The victim paid a total of £92,930 for very little building work done to his house, and even that was to a very poor standard as confirmed by an expert witness surveyor who assessed it and produces a report on his findings.
“Connors and McEvoy intimidated the victim to pay a large amount of money for repairs that were not asked for and not needed by the homeowner.
“This clearly demonstrates a callous criminal tactic that is often used by rogue builders.
“If builders or other traders turn up at your house uninvited, our crime prevention message is to tell them that you are not interested. Then make a report to the police on 101 or 999 for an emergency response if you feel threatened.
“Genuine workers will not behave in this way. They will make arrangements by appointment only and will carry ID with contact details to verify their credentials.
“Trust your instincts regarding suspicious activity and keep look out for your relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to such cold-call approaches.”
The victim has had around half the money refunded by his bank, but he has still suffered substantial financial losses.
Other suspects have been identified and arrested as part of the investigation.
Police say they will be dealt with in due course.