Rogue Trader Ordered to Pay Over £10,000 After Fraudulent Window Deals

Photo: Stock Image

A Cornwall man has been sentenced for misleading customers and failing to deliver promised goods, following a prosecution by Cornwall Council.

Court Sentencing Highlights Fraudulent Activity

On Friday, 29th November, Adam Taylor, aged 36, from Wendron, Helston, appeared at Truro Crown Court and was sentenced for three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The offences related to taking deposits for windows and doors, which he never ordered, and misleading customers.

Taylor was found guilty of three counts of making misleading statements during an earlier trial. The charges stemmed from incidents where he agreed to supply and install windows and doors for two separate customers, taking deposits totalling £4,260.

Customers Left Frustrated and Out of Pocket

Taylor assured his clients that their deposits would be used to order the necessary materials from specialist suppliers. However, after long delays, customers grew concerned and contacted the suppliers directly, only to discover that Taylor had never placed the orders. Despite repeated delays and excuses, Taylor failed to deliver or refund any of the money.

A Trading Standards investigation confirmed that no orders had been placed. Taylor was subsequently summonsed for the offences, but during the two-year investigation, he made no attempts to repay his victims.

Judge Calls Out “Highest Form of Fraud”

During sentencing, Judge Simon Carr condemned Taylor’s actions, stating his behaviour represented “the highest form of fraud.” He highlighted Taylor’s disregard for his victims, noting there was no intent to fulfil his commitments.

Taylor has been ordered to pay £4,587 in compensation to his victims, alongside a £2,250 fine and £4,000 in costs.

Council Encourages Use of Approved Traders

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for Public Protection, emphasised the importance of transparency and trust in local trade:

“Residents should be able to trust local traders to honour their contracts and provide the services they pay for. We all know that sometimes things can go wrong, but it’s important that businesses and tradespeople are upfront and honest with their customers.

“As always, I would urge people to seek out approved traders from the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence approved trader scheme.”

To avoid similar issues, residents are encouraged to research and choose reliable traders, such as those listed on the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme.