Builder Convicted of Defrauding Victims of £190,000 Ordered to Repay Fraction of Sum
A builder in Wales has been ordered to repay a fraction of the £190,000 he conned from victims despite benefiting significantly from his fraudulent activities. Stephen Davies, 68, from Cardiff, was described as a “cruel man” after taking advantage of a vulnerable woman and convincing her to pay for unnecessary work on her property. The victim, who had recently inherited a bungalow in Rumney, entrusted Davies to carry out repairs and renovations, only to be deceived into paying exorbitant amounts for work that was either not needed or poorly executed.
Initially receiving a £5,000 deposit, Davies was hired to fix a chimney, redecorate, and repair internal doors. Despite requests for a breakdown of costs and work details, the builder failed to provide transparent information to the victim. Instead, he falsely claimed that extensive repairs were necessary, including removing the chimney stack and replacing the roof due to damp and wormwood infestation. In reality, these assertions were unfounded, but the victim, trusting Davies’ expertise, agreed to the unnecessary work.
Over the course of two months, the victim paid an additional £15,000 in cash as work progress stalled, preventing her from moving into her bungalow. Concerned family members intervened when Davies requested a further £10,000, prompting them to confront the builder and ultimately dismiss him from the project. Following the family’s intervention, the matter was reported to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Bureau, leading to Davies’ prosecution for dishonestly making false representations for personal gain.
In February 2025, at Cardiff Crown Court, Davies pleaded guilty to two counts of deception and was sentenced to 27 months in prison. During a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing, it was revealed that Davies had benefited from £190,279 through his fraudulent schemes but only had assets worth £31,368. As a result, the judge ordered him to repay the defrauded sum of £31,000, along with £7,500 in court costs. The case serves as a cautionary tale of the devastating impact of financial scams and the importance of seeking legal recourse to hold perpetrators accountable.
Financial fraud is a serious offence that not only causes monetary harm but also undermines trust in professional services. Victims of such crimes often face emotional distress and financial hardship, making it crucial for authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators to deter future misconduct. In this case, the builder’s exploitation of a vulnerable homeowner highlights the need for consumer vigilance and regulatory oversight to protect individuals from falling prey to deceitful practices in the construction industry.
The sentencing of Stephen Davies sends a clear message that fraudulent conduct will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions. By requiring restitution for the defrauded sum, the court aims to provide some measure of justice to the victim and prevent the builder from profiting further from his criminal behaviour. As cases of financial deception continue to surface, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant, conduct thorough research before engaging services, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities to safeguard against fraud and exploitation.