A devious gardener has been found guilty of tricking an elderly couple and running off with £9,000 after carrying out substandard work. Jake Lee, a 26-year-old from Llanelli, convinced the unsuspecting couple to have more tasks done in their garden, leaving the victims feeling exploited. The court heard that Lee operated under the names Elite Landscaping and Gardening and Signature Landscaping and Gardening from his home address. Responding to an advertisement placed by the elderly couple from Ammanford, Lee provided a quote of £1,150, which they accepted. However, no paperwork was given to the couple, nor were they informed of any cancellation rights.
During his visits to the property, Lee was accompanied by an individual named “Tim”, who advised the couple that certain trees in their garden were hazardous and needed to be removed. Under pressure, the victims agreed to pay approximately £6,500 for the tree removal. The prosecutor, Lee Reynolds, mentioned that the couple felt coerced into agreeing to further work on their guttering due to Lee and Tim’s constant badgering. The couple ended up transferring a total of £9,000 to Lee between March 20 and March 22, 2023. However, Lee never completed the job and the work that was done was described as poorly executed and overpriced.
Another elderly man, who had health issues, also fell victim to Lee’s fraudulent schemes after hiring him for gardening work. Initially agreeing to a fee of £1,150 with Lee, the man was asked to pay upfront for materials without receiving any documentation. Dissatisfied with the work, the man paid additional sums, including for the removal of decking. Despite the payments, Lee failed to finish the work, leaving the victim out of pocket by £2,400.
Both victims expressed their dismay and loss of trust following their encounters with Lee. They shared how the ordeal had negatively impacted their enjoyment of their garden, increased their anxiety levels, and depleted a significant portion of their savings. In court, Lee pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. His defence barrister, Hannah George, acknowledged her client’s remorse and his desire to make amends.
In sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters highlighted the distress caused by rogue traders like Lee, emphasising the emotional toll it takes on victims. Despite Lee’s criminal actions, the judge opted for a suspended sentence of eight months, along with a rehabilitation activity requirement, unpaid work, compensation payments of £7,100, and £4,000 towards costs. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vetting tradespeople and being cautious when dealing with individuals offering services, especially to vulnerable members of society.
This cautionary tale sheds light on the risks associated with hiring contractors and the importance of due diligence to avoid falling victim to scammers. The couple’s unfortunate experience serves as a reminder for others to ensure they have clear agreements in writing, full understanding of the services being provided, and to conduct background checks on individuals offering services. It also highlights the need for legal protections to safeguard consumers from unscrupulous practices in the marketplace.