A rogue trader who preyed on a vulnerable pensioner has been jailed after being prosecuted by Hartlepool Borough Council.
John Paul Maughan, 50, formerly of East Howel Caravan Site, Ferryhill, County Durham, had previously been found guilty of a series of offences in his absence at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
A warrant was issued to bring him to court for sentencing, and following his arrest he was jailed for 36 weeeks and ordered to pay compensation of £2,500 and costs of £2,759.
Maughan faced seven charges – two for breaching consumer protection regulations, four for breaches of consumer contracts regulations and one relating to a Fraud Act offence – following an investigation by the Council’s Trading Standards Team.
The court heard how he targeted the pensioner after she sought help with gutter repairs via an online trader marketplace.
He quoted £850 for the work – but failed to provide the legally required 14-day cooling-off period notice – and the price then rose to £1,500 when he claimed further repairs were needed to make the roof watertight. Although the pensioner said she wanted to seek other quotes, he became increasingly insistent and pressured her into agreeing.
Maughan then offered to stain and varnish window frames and paint the property, with the cost spiralling to £7,000. Again, the necessary cooling-off documentation was not provided.
The court was told that Maughan persistently pressured the pensioner to withdraw money from her bank account while the work was still incomplete. Despite initial reluctance, she eventually gave him the benefit of the doubt and transferred £7,000.
He then attempted to secure yet more work, suggesting repointing bricks beneath the front windows and quoting an additional £2,500. After negotiation, the woman agreed to pay £2,000, again without receiving any notice of her consumer rights.
Maughan continued to pressure the pensioner for payment, urging her to make trips to the bank. Fortunately, a cashier at the bank became suspicious and contacted Cleveland Police. Officers attended the property and, concerned about the poor quality of the work, advised the pensioner not to make any further payments. The case was referred to Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team.
An independent chartered building surveyor commissioned to inspect the work found it displayed a “consistent pattern of sub-standard execution, inadequate preparation and disregard for correct materials and methods”.
The pensioner said in a victim impact statement that her home had been left in an “awful mess”, with almost all of her windows sealed shut with varnish.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “This case highlights the calculated and persistent tactics rogue traders can use to exploit vulnerable residents. We are pleased to have secured this conviction and will continue to take strong action against those who seek to operate in our borough in this way.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the bank cashier whose vigilance and presence of mind brought this matter to light.”
She added: “We would always advise residents to check credentials carefully, obtain multiple quotes, never feel pressured into making immediate payments, always obtain written details of cancellation rights and if still unsure seek advice before parting with any money.”
Anyone concerned about rogue traders or unfair business practices is encouraged to contact Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team by emailing trading.standards@hartlepool.gov.uk or calling (01429) 523362.