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Bogus builder jailed for ?1m con
A bogus builder, who conned people out of more than £1m, has been jailed at Bristol Crown Court for five years, after he was convicted of dozens of fraud offences.
45-year-old Mark Jenkins, of Caerphilly in Mid Glamorgan, had admitted a single offence of fraudulent trading
Jenkins targeted more than 40 victims who lived in Redland, Totterdown, St George, and Knowle, and across the South West and South Wales.
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He was charged with one count of fraudulent trading under the Fraud Act 2006, relating to an initial 12 complaints. A further 31 offences in respect of consumer complaints and 14 in respect of trader complaints, relating to fraud by false representation, were taken into consideration.
“Ruthless fraudster”
DS Adam Smith of Bristol CID said: “We were extremely pleased to get a successful conviction following a nine month investigation in which we worked alongside (National Trading Standards) Wales Scambusters and South West Scambusters to build a successful case against a man who has caused tremendous distress and disappointment to his many victims. Today’s jail sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime.
“The victims had their dreams and expectations of seeing their homes improved dashed, by the callous actions of a ruthless fraudster, who has been found out. This was a highly successful example of team work at its best by those involved against a rogue trader,” said DI Smith.
“Misery and hardship”
National Trading Standards Southwest Scambusters Manager Jonathan Martin said: “This successful prosecution, bringing justice for dozens of residents, is thanks to a targeted investigation across a number of authorities over a number of years. Mark Jenkins was hooked on his particular kind of building scam and has brought misery and hardship to those he conned.
“When employing someone to work on your home seek references and evidence of completed projects. You should never be asked for a large amount of the costs upfront. If in doubt seek advice from your local trading standards department.”
“Financially and emotionally scarred”
Lord Toby Harris, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Jenkins’ deceptive and dishonest tactics left many of his victims financially and emotionally scarred and I am delighted to see that justice has been served.”
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