Repeat bodge-job fraudster jailed

Town Hall fountain view

A rogue trader has been sentenced to six months imprisonment at Sheffield Magistrates Court for repeatedly defrauding customers, despite previous convictions.

Colin Graham Shaw, 71, of Hazlebarrow Crescent, Jordanthorpe, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to three offences; one under the Fraud Act and two under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

At the time the offences were carried out, Shaw was already serving a suspended sentence for eight similar offences prosecuted by Sheffield City Council’s trading standards team in 2017.

In a move seen to reflect the seriousness of Shaw’s offending, the Magistrates imposed an immediate custodial sentence and Shaw was led from the Court in handcuffs.

Sheffield’s trading standards team began their latest investigation after receiving three further complaints against Shaw who traded as Kitchen Solutions and Home Refurbs.

The three customers complained they were left out of pocket, with unfinished work, materials paid for but never delivered and illegally installed gas appliances.  In one instance, the gas installation Shaw carried out was deemed so dangerous the gas supply to the property had to be isolated immediately and the homeowner was left without hot water or heating for two weeks.

 

Ian Ashmore, Head of Environmental Protection at Sheffield City Council said:

“Protecting residents, particularly the most vulnerable who are often at risk from aggressive and fraudulent rogue trading, is a priority for our trading standards team.

“We are very grateful to those who came forward and gave evidence during this investigation to help us bring this man to justice and stop him from preying on others.

“I would encourage everyone to report any concerns, so we can take action promptly. We will always investigate reported incidents to make sure, wherever possible, that these criminals are stopped and our communities are safer from those operating illegally.”

 

One of Shaw’s victims welcomed his sentencing.  The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Having employed a rogue trader I would like to say thank you to Sheffield Trading Standards for taking action against those who pose as reputable traders but are intent on ripping off their customers with shoddy and sometimes dangerous workmanship.”

 

More information about Trading Standards, the council’s Not Born Yesterday Campaign and how to report rogue traders is available at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/business/trading-standards