Rogue roofer prosecuted by trading standards team

Trading Standards officers said customers were left around £50,000 out of pocket

A rogue roofer who left his customers about £50,000 out of pocket has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court.

Ross Cheal, 46, from Angarrack near Hayle, previously pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.

Cornwall Council's Trading Standards team said Cheal, director of Giant Roofing Ltd, made fraudulent representations and excuses to customers for roofing works carried out at several properties between May 2020 and April 2023.

Cheal was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years and ordered to pay a total of £29,541 in compensation to his victims.

Trading Standards officers said Cheal's actions led to significant delays, poor workmanship and failures to put work right.

The total financial impact to the consumers was in the region of £50,000 – with many having to pay out again to get the work rectified, they added.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for public protection at Cornwall Council, said: "This is another unfortunate example of customers being hit financially by traders and businesses who take no care in the quality of their work, and then actively mislead customers to avoid their responsibilities.

"We always look to provide advice and guidance to businesses where possible, but sometimes there is no alternative but to take formal action, and we hope that this prosecution sends a strong message to others."