Rogue Roofers Ordered to Pay Victim Thousands in Compensation

Two rogue roofers who defrauded a customer of more than double the amount originally agreed and left the job unfinished have been ordered to pay thousands in compensation.

Trading as Pinner Roofing, Billy Dunbar, 26, and John Smith, 23, had started work at a property in Hatherleigh Road, Ruislip, after initially agreeing on a price of £25,000 with the customer.

Fake Additional Charges

Soon after work began, the victim was falsely told by Dunbar that the work required was more extensive. He said in addition to the deposit of £8,750, a further £37,250 would be payable – totalling £46,000. Later, Dunbar sent messages to the victim asking for further payments of £1,100 and £7,850.

Money was paid by the victim into Dunbar’s bank account, and he then transferred approximately half to Smith. The rogue roofers also failed to give written notification to the victim of his right of withdrawal or cancellation, as required under consumer protection legislation.

Work Left Unfinished

At this point the victim refused to pay any more, but by then he had already been defrauded out of £52,800. Not having been paid what they wanted, Dunbar and Smith walked off the job, leaving the roof unfinished.

Rogue Roofers Sentenced

Billy Dunbar, 26, of Old Mill Place, Wraysbury, and John Smith, 23, of Pleasant Place, Hersham, admitted misleading commercial practices in breach of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The pair were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday 23 June.

Alongside the compensation, Billy Dunbar received a four and a half month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was handed 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also given 15 days of rehabilitation activity, and ordered to pay a contribution to costs of £1,200 and a victim surcharge of £154.

John Smith was given an 18-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, 25 days rehabilitation activity, and was ordered to pay the same contribution towards costs, alongside a victim surcharge of £114.

The pair voluntarily paid £13,200 each to compensate the victim prior to the hearing in January this year.

Distressing Experience

Cllr Adam Bennett, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Community, Environment and Enforcement, said: “This must have been a distressing experience for the victim in this case. Our priority is to protect our residents from rogue traders and from being unfairly treated, and this case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take robust action against unscrupulous businesses who seek to exploit our residents.”

To report an issue, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service here or call 0808 223 1133.

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