Member Article

Rip-off roofer fined over trading offences

A Salford roofer who ripped off customers has been ordered to pay the money back.

Carl Pennington, born 16 April 1980, of Ogden Street, Swinton pleaded guilty to five counts of unfair trading regulations at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 27 November 2013.

He was given 150 hours community service, ordered to pay back £2,240 to customers and has to pay £760 in costs.

Trading standards officers at Salford City Council launched their first criminal investigation of its kind under this legislation after a series of complaints from across Greater Manchester.

The court heard how customers found his details in the local press and paid money up front for scaffolding, building materials and planning applications - but the work was never completed.

Mr Pennington, aged 33, claimed in his adverts to have 25 years experience in roofing. He initially used believable excuses as to why he was unable to attend to carry out the work, however over time the victims realised they were not going to get the work done or get their money back.

One victim paid Mr Pennington £700 for scaffolding but later find out that the sub-contractor had not been paid and had to pay them a further £500.

The press also received numerous complaints from disgruntled customers and the newspaper banned Mr Pennington from advertising with them. To get around this, Mr Pennington simply changed the company name on numerous occasions and even used a false name when advertising on a website so he couldn’t be linked to previous complaints.

Councillor Gena Merrett, Assistant Mayor for Housing and Environment at Salford City Council, said: “This is a case that has caused a lot of distress to the victims, both emotionally and financially as they feel they have been ripped off in their own homes. I hope the results reassure people that we take action against rogue traders and I’m pleased the court has made him repay the money.

“Trading standards officers have worked extremely hard on this case and will continue to use all powers available to them to protect the public from cowboy builders and support local legitimate business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .