Berkshire rogue trader must pay £4k compensation after failings
- Published
Mark Bell (not pictured) was convicted by Reading magistrates earlier this month
A rogue trader who failed to deliver services promised to a professional standard, or at all, will need to pay a client £4,000 in compensation.
Mark Bell, 41, from Farnborough, Hampshire, was convicted by Reading magistrates earlier this month.
Three homeowners hired Bell to do work at their homes but he either did not do it or did not do it properly.
Bracknell Forest Council said the case showed that it took allegations of unfair trading "very seriously".
Bell was found guilty of two counts of fraud by false representation and another of failing to meet the professional standards of a reasonably competent and diligent trader while working for his business, MBS Roofing and Guttering.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Bell must also pay one homeowner from Sandhurst, Berkshire, the compensation following a hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on 16 April.
Two other homeowners - one in Thatcham, also Berkshire, and another in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, were previously given county court judgements in respect of some matters and were not awarded compensation, Bracknell Forest Council said.
Sean Murphy, its service lead for public protection, said: "This case hopefully sends a clear message to traders that we will investigate where there are allegations of unfair trading. Bracknell Forest Council takes incidents of this nature very seriously."
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