A ROGUE trader who took thousands of pounds from customers for work he never finished has been prosecuted for fraud.

Matthew Cole, of Chesterfield Road, Plymouth, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Wednesday, August 26 for sentencing.

At an earlier hearing, Cole, aged 44, admitted acting dishonestly by making false representations and misusing client deposits, diverting funds between jobs while continuing to accept payments despite knowing he could not fulfil his commitments.

Cole took large sums of money from several customers in Cornwall for building projects he failed to complete. He also charged VAT to customers, despite not being registered for VAT.

One victim paid over £39,000 for a garage conversion. Cole fitted incorrect lintels and built a wall that was of such a poor standard it had to be demolished. Cole did not finish the job and due to the costs involved, the victim could not afford to get the works put right.

Another victim paid over £18,000 to Cole towards a £25,000 property renovation. Only 20 per cent of the work was completed before Cole gave a string of excuses and abandoned the job. Building Control advised that the work completed was so poor that it would need to be completely removed.

Sentencing, His Honour Judge Simon Carr said he believed Cole started off as a genuine builder running a legitimate company but started taking on work that “he couldn't possibly complete".

Cole was sentenced to 15 months in prison for each of the five charges, to run concurrently, suspended for two years.

Gary Webster, Trading Standards Group leader at Cornwall Council, said: “Cole overextended the business, taking on more work than he could manage, and relied on subcontractors whose work quality he could not guarantee.

“The quality of the work deteriorated as workloads increased. He continued to take payments for work he knew he would be unable to complete. Despite assurances to customers that their money was being spent on specific materials, he misused the funds for other purposes.”

Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said “This case highlights a serious breach of trust. Victims paid thousands for work that was never finished, leaving them out of pocket and facing further expense to put things right.

“Cornwall Council will continue to take action against rogue traders who exploit customers, and we are happy that the sentence reflects the harm caused in this case.”