Stockport Trading Standards successfully prosecute rogue builder

Stockport Trading Standards have successfully prosecuted a rogue builder from Derbyshire after uncovering they took advantage of a vulnerable Stockport resident to the tune of more than £12,000.

Platinum Home Improvements Ltd of Alvaston, Derby, Director Patrick Doherty and employee James Doherty were ordered to repay £12.747.72 to their victim and must pay costs and fines totalling £19,086.50. The pair were sentenced at Tameside Magistrates Court of 7th June 2022.

An investigation into the company was launched after their victim reported them to Stockport Trading Standards following work carried out, and uncovered 16 trading standards offences.

Stockport Trading Standards found that the work carried out was shoddy, unnecessary and overpriced. James Doherty also repeatedly pointed out more work that the victim allegedly ‘needed’ and the victim was pressured into agreeing to work that he didn’t want and was not given any cancellation rights. The victim’s legitimate complaints, including damage to his gate, were dismissed. Apart from the guttering, an expert witness found the quality of work wholly unacceptable.

Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:

“I am delighted that our Officer’s work has ensured these criminals have been held to account for taking advantage of a vulnerable resident. The message is very clear; we will not tolerate this in Stockport and will take robust action wherever possible.”