A rogue builder who took money for work that was never done has pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud following a prosecution by Lincolnshire Trading Standards.
Christopher Marshall (44) of Melrose Way, Grimsby, operated under the business name CM Property Maintenance across Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire.
Marshall charged his customers money for building materials which were often never purchased, failed to carry out work he had agreed to, and left homeowners with unfinished projects which they had to pay other traders to put right.
He also failed to provide customers with cancellation rights, which is a legal requirement.
At Lincoln Crown Court on 16 August Marshall was given a 12-month sentence – suspended for two years – as well as 180 hours of unpaid work.
Senior Lincolnshire Trading Standards officer, Kimberley Marshall, said: “We are committed to tackling businesses that exploit the consumers of Lincolnshire. Whilst most businesses operate completely lawfully and fairly, there will always be some who take advantage of their customers to try and turn a quick profit.
“For some of the victims, it had taken them years to save up enough to have the work done. The fact that Mr Marshall took deposits from them knowing he was never going to do the work was unfair and unjustified.
“We will continue to work with our colleagues and partner agencies to combat businesses that take advantage of consumers and do not comply with the law.”
