A rogue trader who defrauded a retired Powys resident of £60,000 has been given a two-year prison sentence.

Leslie James Smith of Pershore, Worcestershire, was prosecuted by Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service after carrying out work at a property in Felindre, Powys.

An investigation by Trading Standard officers found that between April 8 and July 8 in 2021, Smith was excessively paid for construction work which he then failed to complete to a competent standard.

An earlier hearing was told that he had been paid £60,000 for work that was worth about £1,500.

READ MORE: Rogue trader admits taking £60,000 off vulnerable Powys woman

The investigation also found that Smith had committed fraud by lying about his identity, as well as falsely claiming to have purchased supplies and that he required additional payment as a result of the rising cost of supplies that had purportedly already been purchased.

Smith also asked, according to the investigation, for additional payment from his victim to subsidise work for other customers with the intention of making a financial gain for himself.

Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: “The conclusion of this case sends out a clear message that trading practices like this will not be tolerated.

OTHER NEWS:

“This case should serve as a reminder to our residents to be vigilant of these crimes and scams to avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader. I would urge residents to do their research on a business before entering into an agreement and to be cautious when paying money upfront.

“For work carried out at a resident’s home that is more than £42 in value, traders are required by law to provide cancellation rights. This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled.

“Under the regulations, traders are required to exercise professional diligence in the work they carry out. If the council receives reports of particularly bad workmanship or work not as described, then this could lead to an investigation by our Trading Standards team.”

Smith, who pleaded guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and Fraud Act 2006 at an earlier hearing at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court, was sentenced to two years in jail and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge by Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.