Wiltshire trader fined for failing to carry out fencing work

An investigation was launched after the council received a complaint from an elderly resident

A trader who took money from an elderly customer for work that he failed to complete has been fined.

Mark Harris, 47, trading as A/M Fencing and Repairs, of Lower South Wraxall, Bradford-on-Avon, pleaded guilty to a charge of unfair trading.

Bath Magistrates' Court was told he took a deposit of £840 but failed to carry out agreed fencing work and did not return the money.

Since pleading guilty, Harris has refunded the deposit.

Harris was sentenced on Wednesday when he was ordered to pay a fine of £384, a victim surcharge of £154 and prosecution costs of £1,734.

He had admitted to one offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. on 17 January.

The court was told Bath and North East Somerset Council's trading standards team launched an investigation after receiving a complaint from an elderly resident.

Council leader, Kevin Guy, said: "We hope that this prosecution sends out a clear message that our trading standards team will not hesitate to investigate and take action against those tradesmen who commit crime.

"Householders should be able to trust contractors they employ to safeguard any monies paid to them for materials and to complete the job in line with the specification."