Rogue builder jailed for more than two years

One of Smith's uncompleted projects was bungalow remodelling which he left uninhabitable - with no windows, doors or electrics

A rogue builder who cost his customers £150,000 has been sent to prison for over two years by Truro Crown Court.

James Christopher Smith, 45, from Wadebridge pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business.

Smith defrauded seven people, leaving one home uninhabitable, misleading customers about ordering materials, and failing to return deposits for unfinished and substandard work.

Martyn Alvey, from Cornwall Council, said he hoped the sentence demonstrated "how seriously" the council took rogue trading as "cases like this seriously affect consumer confidence in the local building trade".

No windows or doors

Mr Alvey said the "true cost" of fixing Smith's work had run into tens of thousands of pounds for many of his customers.

In one case, Smith demanded money for materials he never ordered while building a timber-frame extension he completed late.

The extension later had to be demolished after inspectors found 30 building regulation failures.

Another of Smith's customers agreed to pay £184,000 to remodel their bungalow, which was eventually left uninhabitable, with no windows, doors, heating or electrics.

In both cases the homeowners had to "seek further finance" to get the projects finished.

Smith was given a total sentence of 28 months in prison.