A rogue builder who targeted an elderly and vulnerable homeowner, charging £154,000 for substandard and unfinished building work, has been given a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay compensation following action by West Sussex County Council Trading Standards.
Carl Roxby, of Kithurst Crescent, Worthing, first approached the victim in Storrington, West Sussex, in April 2022. He offered to replace the roof of their property but neglected to provide any paperwork or a contract outlining what had been agreed.
Over the next few months, Roxby steadily inflated the amount of work that needed doing – and the costs involved – claiming that it would be necessary to replace an additional flat roof, a conservatory, guttering, fascias, soffits and a patio.
In total, the victim handed over £154,000 during the course of the work, which was left unfinished. When they attempted to contact Roxby, he failed to respond.
The matter was brought to the attention of West Sussex Trading Standards, who launched an investigation which found the work to be substandard and overpriced.
In November 2024, Roxby pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Fraud Act 2006.
Following a hearing last month, Roxby has now been ordered to pay £50,000 in compensation to the victim, and has been sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 300 hours of Community Payback and 20 days of rehabilitation activities.
Councillor Duncan Crow, West Sussex Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “Carl Roxby cruelly exploited a vulnerable resident, deceiving them out of their hard-earned money and leaving them with dangerous, incomplete building work.
“This case highlights the invaluable work our Trading Standards team does in protecting our communities and holding rogue traders accountable. No one should have to endure what this victim experienced.
“I’m pleased at the team’s determination to secure compensation and pursue justice for the victim. I hope this sentencing serves as a clear warning to unscrupulous builders that we will not tolerate dishonest traders in West Sussex.”
