Rogue trader given suspended jail sentence for defrauding vulnerable Swindon pensioner

Michael Connors, trading as Perennial Home Improvements Limited, had pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud at an earlier hearing before today’s (20 Feb) sentencing at Swindon Crown Court where he was also ordered to pay £18,800 in compensation and £6,000 in costs.

The 29-year-old had befriended the victim over a number of years and occasionally knocked on her door for a chat and to ask if she needed any work done.

During August 2023, after one such knock at the door, the householder asked him to power wash her drive. This work was undertaken by Mr Connors, however, it was not completed as the driveway was not sealed. Despite this, he charged the victim £1,000, which was paid in cash.

While on the property, Mr Connors claimed he could see a tile loose on the roof and offered to investigate. He then told the householder she had rats in the attic and needed a new roof.

After being paid £6,000 in cash Mr Connors obtained a cheque for an additional £20,000 from the victim. Thankfully, her concerned family members intervened and demanded the return of the cheque from Connors before it had been cashed.

Mr Connors was also displaying the Checkatrade logo despite being removed from the scheme the previous year.

Chartered Surveyor Tim Davies, of TR Davies Ltd, stated that there was no evidence of rodent activity or any form of water ingress. He concluded that the overall standard of workmanship was “quite abysmal” and “indicative of work by operatives without even the basic competence or understanding of undertaking roofing works of this nature”.

The victim was left with a bill of £12,000 to repair her roof after it had been damaged by Mr Connors.

Asked about the incident, the victim Sheila, said: “I am really hurt that Michael betrayed me like this – I believed we were friends.”

Sheila’s daughter Julie encouraged other people to look out for their elderly relatives and neighbours so they do not fall prey to unscrupulous rogue traders.

Julie said: “I would urge any family in a situation like this not to be afraid of speaking out and seeking help from Trading Standards.

“We are very proud of my mum for supporting this prosecution, but we knew it was important to make sure Michael Connors was brought to justice and hopefully to stop him doing this to anyone else.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “This was a calculated and exploitative crime targeting a vulnerable elderly woman.

“Michael Connors used deception to secure vast sums of money for work that was not only unnecessary, but left the victim’s home in a significantly worse state. We are very grateful to the victim for her bravery in supporting the prosecution of Michael Connors and helping to bring him to justice.”

The case highlights ongoing concerns about doorstep crime and rogue traders targeting older or vulnerable householders.  

Cllr Grant added: “If anyone has concerns about traders operating in their area, or if a family member or neighbour appears to be pressured into home-repair contracts, please contact Trading Standards and the police immediately. Early intervention can prevent financial loss and protect potential victims.”

Householders or concerned relatives can raise issues with Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or via   https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/