Suspended sentence for man who ‘preyed on elderly’ in attempt to gain £28k for roof that did not need fixing

A cold caller who tried to carry out unnecessary work on an elderly couple’s property to the tune of £28,000 has been sentenced.

Laurence Newberry was found guilty last month to three offences under Consumer Protection laws

In July 2017 he approached an 80-year-old householder and offered to do minor repairs on the roof of his home.

Once on the property the minor repairs quickly became a claim by the defendant that the entire roof required urgent replacement at a cost of £28,000.

Under pressure because of the threat of failure of the existing roof the householder agreed to work being done which started the same day.

However, Public Protection’s Trading Standards officers intervened and prevented the work from being completed and revealed that there was nothing wrong with the existing roof and that price quoted was more than double the reasonable cost of replacement.

Mr Newberry was given 12 months per offence (three in total) suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay £1000 compensation to the elderly couple, carry out 300 hours community service, given a Criminal Behaviour Order for five years to prevent him from cold calling by phone/in person across the UK and £2500 costs awarded.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “This sentence sends a clear message to those who prey on elderly people that this sort of behaviour will not be accepted and Trading Standards and the courts will do everything in their power to ensure they are brought to justice and punished.

“It is also great to see the court using its powers to impose a criminal behaviour order and control future conduct.

“If this offender is caught knocking on doors, regardless of his motive, anywhere in the UK in the next five years he risks a prison sentence for contempt of court”

Advice from from Trading Standards, adds: “If you think you might need work doing, find reputable traders and obtain a few quotes before agreeing to get work done.

“Check when and how payment will be made. Use recommendations and make sure you have the full details of any business before you commit to work.

“If you are unsure get help from friends or family. Never agree to work offered by cold callers on the doorstep.”

If you see anything suspicious or you want to report an incident call police on 101 or Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.