Cornwall Builders Scam: Customers Defrauded Out of £30,000

Photo: Unfinished works at Perranarworthal Cricket Club after Shea failed to return.

Two men who defrauded their customers out of around £30,000 have been sentenced following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards Team.

The Fraudulent Activities

Thomas Shea and James Stanton admitted to multiple fraud offences related to their participation in a fraudulent business and making false statements to consumers. Between September 2021 and March 2023, the duo traded under the name JS Masonry, accepting money for building work on holiday homes from four different customers. In instances where work was performed, it was completed to a substandard level and not rectified despite customer complaints. In other cases, no work was started at all despite substantial deposits being paid.

Additional Offences

The fraudulent activities didn’t stop there. Shea also confessed to being involved in two more fraudulent businesses: LD Masonry and County Walling South West. He admitted to taking payments for work that was never carried out and failing to refund his customers. Shea and Stanton also ordered building products without paying for them and took money from customers for specific materials that were never ordered.

The Sentencing

Both men were sentenced at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, July 4. James Stanton, of Doubletrees Court, Par, received an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years, and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £9,224 in compensation to the owners of holiday lodges and £2,585 to another customer.

Thomas Shea, of Bodiner Lane, Penzance, was also given an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years, and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £9,224 in compensation to the owners of holiday lodges, £7,750 to Perranarworthal Cricket Club, and £5,932 to another customer.

A Warning from Cornwall Council

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, commented on the case, highlighting the importance of thorough research and seeking references when hiring tradespeople. He recommended using businesses approved by the Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence Scheme to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

The Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards Team continues to handle numerous complaints of this nature, urging consumers to remain vigilant and informed when choosing service providers.

Photos: Unfished work at holiday lodges after Stanton and Shea failed to return.