**‘Builder Extraordinaire’ Jailed for Life-Ruining Fraud After Homeowners Left in Ruin**
A rogue contractor who boasted of being a “builder extraordinaire” has been exposed as a fraudster, leaving a trail of financial and emotional devastation across Porthcawl. Michael Anderson, 76, systematically conned six trusting home-owners out of more than £260,000, failing to complete work, leaving properties in disrepair, and shattering dreams and savings in the process.
Anderson, who operated from his home at Danygraig Avenue, Porthcawl, presented himself as a reliable, lifelong professional. Before each job, he assured clients of his integrity, claiming he would never exploit them. Yet, behind this façade, he consistently overcharged, failed to complete projects, and even kept payments intended for contractors.
Cardiff Crown Court heard emotional accounts from victims, including harrowing statements from those driven to the edge by Anderson’s deceit. One woman described experiencing suicidal thoughts as debts mounted; another couple were forced to remortgage their retirement home when the work was not done, devastating their future. “He has taken our money, our savings, drained our pensions and ruined our lives,” one victim heart-breakingly told the court.
The court detailed how Anderson’s frauds spanned four years, ultimately totalling £263,607.43. Prosecutor Ian Ibrahim, speaking for Bridgend Council, revealed that Anderson was charged with four counts of fraud and one count of dishonesty by false representation. His wife, Sandra Anderson, 66, was also brought before the court, accused of possessing criminal property—specifically, holding £35,000 of the fraudulently acquired funds in her bank account.
Among those swindled were Denise and Andrew Fitzgerald, who lost £43,000 and were left with an uninhabitable, uninsured home. Their attempts to enjoy a peaceful retirement were destroyed by Anderson’s actions. The court was told they had little choice but to undertake their own repairs, which resulted in injuries, further compounding their loss. “Our carefully planned, debt-free future has been wiped away,” Mrs Fitzgerald said tearfully, highlighting how the couple now must rely on the overstretched NHS after being unable to afford private care.
Richard Booth and Andrea Phillips, another local couple, suffered similarly. After paying Anderson £129,000 for home improvements, they discovered the work unfinished and a further £38,000 owed to unpaid contractors. Their dream of a mortgage-free life was ended, replaced by debts and 16 months of stressful remedial works. “This dream was destroyed by Michael Anderson. His deceit has left us in debt, with maxed-out credit cards,” Mr Booth told the court.
Jessica Reader’s story was equally distressing. She tasked Anderson with building an eco-structure within her set £70,000 budget, yet his charges quickly climbed above £130,000. Not only was the project left incomplete and leaking, but she later found the roof had blown off. Overwhelmed by the betrayal, Ms Reader recounted an emotional breakdown: “All my savings, including inheritance from a relative who served in the navy, are gone. The humiliation and rage are indescribable.”
Other victims, like Ian Hayes, handed over more than £82,000—far above the original quote. Hayes, who trusted Anderson, ended up with an unfinished home and shattered personal plans. “I am broken and ashamed,” he told the court. He had envisaged marrying his partner abroad, a dream now all but vanished.
Despite the severity and scale of the deception, Anderson offered no compensation. His representation noted he had previously enjoyed a good reputation with no prior convictions, attributing his conduct to poor decision-making late in life. Counsel for Mrs Anderson described her as a victim herself—“timid and easily controlled”—underscoring her claim to have had little involvement beyond providing the bank account.
In a scathing condemnation, Judge Eugene Egan described Anderson’s conduct as “dishonest and shabby,” stating that the distress he caused would haunt his victims for years. “You ripped them off,” the judge remarked, referencing the cavalier disregard for his customers’ welfare.
Michael Anderson received a prison sentence of three years and six months, half of which will be served in custody. Sandra Anderson was handed an 18-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must wear an electronic tag with a strict curfew. Relief and emotion spilled out as victims saw some measure of justice delivered at last.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all homeowners to thoroughly vet contractors and remains a potent warning of the lasting harm caused by rogue traders in the community.