A 69-year-old rogue roofer has admitted to setting up a fake business in the Midlands, just weeks before he was due to stand trial at Crown Court over a complaint from a Dudley customer.
Details of the Case
John Smith (name changed for legal reasons), from the West Midlands, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday. He had originally denied the charges but changed his plea on the first day of his trial.
The court heard that Smith had advertised his roofing services through a fake company name, 'Midland Roofing Solutions', which was not registered with Companies House. He targeted a 72-year-old woman from Dudley, carrying out unnecessary work and charging her over £8,000 for a job worth less than £2,000.
Impact on Victim
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she felt 'violated and scared' after Smith pressured her into paying for work she didn't need. She contacted Trading Standards after noticing leaks and damage to her property.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones said: 'This was a calculated and deliberate attempt to defraud a vulnerable homeowner. Smith set up a fake business to appear legitimate and then targeted an elderly woman, exploiting her trust.'
Legal Proceedings
Judge Mark Davies adjourned sentencing for a pre-sentence report, warning Smith that 'all options, including custody, remain open.' Smith was released on conditional bail until his sentencing on 15 June.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of rogue traders in the Midlands, with Trading Standards urging homeowners to verify credentials before hiring tradespeople.
