Roofer who defrauded customers jailed again

Welsey Theobald had previously been in prison for similar offences

A roofer who repeatedly defrauded customers by not completing work, leaving one more than £40,000 out of pocket, has been jailed for three years.

Wesley Theobald, 33, of King's Lynn, Norfolk - who had been released from prison for similar offences - was investigated by Trading Standards after complaints from residents in Norwich, Dereham and Ashill, near Watton.

He pleaded guilty to multiple charges relating to theft and dishonesty at Norwich Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday.

Head of Trading Standards at Norfolk County Council Sophie Leney said: “Despite previous convictions resulting in custodial sentences, Mr Theobald continued to take money from customers for materials and work that was not completed."

Theobald, of Checker Street, also failed to comply with a Criminal Behaviour Order, imposed at sentencing in 2022 for previous offences.

His most recent offending related to him failing to provide customers with written contract details, failing to provide written and dated receipts and failing to ensure customers' money was paid into a defined business bank account.

He also pleaded guilty to fraud by failing to disclose to customers that he had been previously declared bankrupt, and giving a false business address.

Theobald also admitted three allegations of theft, for taking payment for roofing works that he did not carry out.

Trading Standards said one complainant had lost more than £40,000 for roofing work which Theobald did not complete.