Rogue Tradesperson Swindles £50k from Customers

A ROGUE tradesperson who left his customers around £50,000 out of pocket has been sentenced.

Ross Cheal, aged 46, of Angarrack, Hayle in Cornwall was successfully prosecuted when he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.

The prosecution was brought to court by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team. After an investigation they found that between May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2023, Cheal, in his capacity of director of Giant Roofing Ltd, made fraudulent representations and excuses to customers for roofing works carried out at several properties.

In the seven cases found by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, Cheal’s actions led to significant delays, poor workmanship and failures to put work right. The total financial impact to the consumers was in the region of £50,000 – with many having to pay out further monies to get the work rectified.

Rogue Tradesperson

The Trading Standards officers found that Cheal’s conduct fell short of what is normally expected by professionals in the roofing industry. He left his customers frustrated and out of pocket.

On Thursday, 9 January 2025 at Truro Crown Court, Cheal was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £29,541 in compensation to his victims, and £5,000 towards the Council’s court costs.

Cornwall Councillor Martyn Alvey, said: “This is another unfortunate example of customers being hit financially by traders and businesses who take no care in the quality of their work, and then actively mislead customers to avoid their responsibilities.

“We hope that this prosecution sends a strong message to others.”

>> Read more roofing court cases in the news