Rogue builders took advantage of unsuspecting customers, leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket and with incomplete and dangerous construction work. Jeremiah Connors, 25, Simon Connors, 28, and Ronald Connors, 49, operated under the names Trade Price Pavings Ltd and Keyline and Co, using a false address in Newport to carry out their fraudulent activities in the Newport and Bristol areas. Prosecutor Tom Roberts revealed at a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court that the defendants provided subpar, incomplete, and hazardous building services, preying on innocent victims who trusted them with their projects.
According to court reports, the Connors trio defrauded a total of eight victims between 2018 and 2021. The victims ranged from having unsatisfactory patio installations to poorly constructed retaining walls, resulting in financial losses and safety concerns. In one case, a victim paid £1,600 for a retaining wall and decking replacement, only to discover that the work was inadequate and required an additional £2,690 for corrections. Another victim was quoted £4,500 for driveway work before his wedding, but was coerced into paying £8,500 for incomplete work, leading to a total loss of £6,500. These instances showcase the extent of deception and financial harm caused by the fraudulent builders.
The Connors brothers utilized aggressive and unfair practices to manipulate their victims into paying more money for substandard work. Ronald Connors, who had a history of aggressive commercial practices and fraud, attempted to conceal his identity by using an alias. Despite being under a criminal behaviour order, Ronald engaged in unscrupulous activities, coercing victims into paying additional funds under the threat of halting the incomplete work. The victims, trusting the Connors’ false promises, ended up with unsafe and unfinished construction projects, facing significant expenses to rectify the damages caused by the rogue builders.
In a bid to hold the fraudulent builders accountable for their actions, the court sentenced Ronald Connors to two years and six months in prison, with half of the term to be served behind bars and the remainder on licence. His indiscriminate behaviour and repeated offences warranted a substantial sentence to deter future fraudulent activities. Jeremiah and Simon Connors were also found guilty of multiple counts of fraud and engaging in unfair practices, each receiving suspended sentences along with community service and rehabilitation requirements to address their criminal conduct.
The cases of these rogue builders highlight the importance of conducting thorough research and background checks before hiring construction professionals to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Customers should verify the legitimacy of businesses, request references, and insist on written contracts detailing the scope of work and payment terms to protect themselves from potential fraud. By remaining vigilant and cautious when engaging with builders and tradespeople, individuals can safeguard their investments and prevent financial losses and emotional distress resulting from deceitful practices.
The sentencing of the Connors brothers serves as a reminder that fraudulent activities in the construction industry will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face legal consequences for their actions. The court’s decision to impose significant penalties on the rogue builders sends a clear message that exploiting customers through fraudulent means will not go unpunished. As victims seek to recover from the financial and emotional impact of the deceitful practices, they can find solace in the justice served and the hope for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.