{"id":94356,"date":"2021-06-04T09:20:22","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T08:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=94356"},"modified":"2021-06-04T09:20:22","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T08:20:22","slug":"builder-jailed-con-homeowner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/planning-construction-news\/builder-jailed-con-homeowner\/94356\/","title":{"rendered":"Builder handed suspended sentence after attempt to con homeowner"},"content":{"rendered":"

A builder who tried to scam a homeowner out of thousands of pounds has been jailed for 10 months, suspended for 18 months following a hearing at Manchester Crown Court<\/h2>\n

Officers working for Manchester City Council<\/a>\u2019s trading standards team discovered that in October 2018 a homeowner in Crumpsall had contacted Didsbury Plumbing and Heating Ltd for a quote to repair some damp.<\/p>\n

While this initial quote was for just \u00a38,000, as work began, the company and its director, Malachy Joyce persuaded the homeowner to pay for additional, and potentially unnecessary home improvements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This included the installation of new central heating, plastering and decorating most rooms, drainage works<\/a>, electrical works, and new carpets throughout the house.<\/p>\n

The homeowner was charged an extortionate \u00a375,000 for this work, however, she only paid \u00a337,000.<\/p>\n

Independent surveyors assessed the smaller amount was the true value of the work carried out.<\/p>\n

Charges made by Malachy Joyce included \u00a34,793 for unspecified \u2018site management\u2019 and a grossly overinflated subcontract of \u00a321,000 for plastering and damp proof course works. Despite Council officers\u2019 best efforts, this subcontractor has not been traced.<\/p>\n

Alerted to criminal behaviour<\/h3>\n

The council was first alerted to this criminal behaviour when a member of staff at a local HSBC noticed that the homeowner was withdrawing large sums of cash from her account, not in keeping with her usual financial habits.<\/p>\n

This was flagged up with the Council\u2019s Trading Standards Team, as well as Greater Manchester Police and Social services.<\/p>\n

Didsbury Plumbing and Heating Ltd and Malachy Joyce pleaded guilty to three offences<\/a> under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, 2008, and were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, May 28.<\/p>\n

In addition to his suspended sentence, Malachy was ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service.<\/p>\n

An undertaking was also signed by Malachy and his company ensuring that neither party could pursue the homeowner for any additional fees.<\/p>\n

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods, said: \u201cThis was a disgraceful attempt to con a resident out of tens of thousands of pounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe value of the work carried out was grossly over-inflated and were it not for the conscientious behaviour of local bank staff, this resident could have been left financially ruined.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am pleased that our officers and legal team were able to secure this conviction and prevent this criminal coming after the homeowner for any more money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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