James Slater, known as Jimmy, took customers’ money without delivering work and left properties vulnerable to the weather.
He repeatedly breached an enforcement order obtained by Kingston Council in 2019 and served nine months in prison.
He was taken to court again last year and found to have breached the order 16 times and taken significant sums of money from residents.
He’s since been sentenced to various periods in prison and the sentences are to run concurrently over 21 months.
Kingston Council’s Portfolio Holder for Commissioning, Customer Contact and Equalities Cllr Afy Afilaka said:
“Our Trading Standards officers do a vital job keeping rogue traders like this off our streets and keeping consumers safe. It should serve as a warning to others that we will relentlessly pursue anyone who puts residents in our borough at risk and we will take action against you.
“I want to urge residents not to allow any trader who cold calls to undertake any works on their properties, even if they say it is an emergency. Anyone who thinks their property may need urgent roof or guttering works should in the first instance contact their insurers. Additionally, I strongly advise against engaging with cold callers for any reason, particularly to protect our more vulnerable residents.”
The Enforcement Order banning Mr Slater from rogue trading remains in place and has no expiry date. If he continues to breach it upon his release, further action will be taken to protect consumers.
To report a scam or suspected rogue trader contact the council’s Trading Standards via the Citizen Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or by visiting Citizen Advice website. If you suspect a crime is being committed or have any concerns as to your or your neighbours immediate safety always call 999.
