Rogue trader told to pay £7k for shoddy work

The homeowner later had to get another roofer in to fix Wright's repairs

A rogue trader has been ordered to pay out more than £7,000 after overcharging a customer for poor standards of work.

Stephen Arthur Reginald Wright, 36, from Picton Gorse Lane, Chester, carried out roof repairs on a home in Oswestry in 2021.

Telford Magistrates' Court heard he charged more than £4,000 for the work which was later valued at £1,300 by a surveyor.

Wright admitted three charges of fraud on Wednesday.

Mike Davies, prosecuting for Shropshire Council, said he had cold called a property in Park Hall to say the roof was in need of repair.

He said Wright used a fake name to avoid revealing his true identity - it had only been a matter of months since he was released from prison for similar offences.

Mr Davies said he had also used customer testimonials from another firm in an attempt to get work.

The court was told the homeowner became increasingly concerned about the standard of the work and the requests for money.

Using images from his home CCTV, he carried out some online research and discovered Wright's true identity.

The victim later had to get another workman to fix multiple problems and leaks which were caused by Wright's repairs.

Wright was ordered to pay the homeowner £1,800 in compensation and more than £5,000 in Shropshire Council costs.