A ROGUE trader who conned three households must undertake 150 hours of community service.
Mark Bell, 41 and from West Road in Farnborough, was convicted by Reading Magistrates Court earlier this month, and has 12 months to complete his unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £4,000 compensation to one homeowner. The two other victims had previously been granted civil county court judgments (CCJs) against Bell, and were not awarded compensation as a result.
The three homeowners employed Bell, trading as MBS Roofing and Guttering, for home improvements, paying him £14,200 in total. But in each case he either failed to deliver the work, or did a shoddy job.
Bell was convicted of three offences: two of fraud by false representation and one of failing to meet the professional standards of a reasonably competent and diligent trader.
Sean Murphy, service lead for public protection partnership, which handles such cases for on behalf of Bracknell Forest Council, West Berkshire Council, and Wokingham Borough Council, said: “This case hopefully sends a clear message to traders that we will investigate where there are allegations of unfair trading.
“We take incidents of this nature very seriously.”
Any resident with concerns about trader-related activity should call: 01635 519930 or e-mail: [email protected]. If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the cold caller, call the police emergency number 999.