Porthcawl man given 43-month prison sentence in rogue builder case

A Porthcawl man has been sentenced to prison following a successful prosecution by Bridgend County Borough Council.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the extent of the misery that local builder Paul Atkinson caused residents after they agreed for him to undertake building work and home improvements at their properties.

In the case brought by Bridgend County Borough Council, Atkinson, of Woodlands Avenue, Porthcawl, was charged with offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The Shared Regulatory Services team had conducted an investigation into Atkinson’s trading practices, and it soon became apparent that he engaged in misleading and fraudulent trading practices in his dealings with customers.

Using classic rogue trader practices, Atkinson had many reports against him including incomplete work, goods not being ordered, poor workmanship, and failure to obtain necessary planning and building control consents.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud, 1 count of fraudulent trading and 1 count of unfair commercial practice. During the recent sentencing hearing, the court was told of the significant financial detriment the homeowners found themselves in after choosing Paul Atkinson to work at their properties. Victim impact statements were read out in court.

In total, he was sentenced to a total of 43 months imprisonment and a Proceeds of Crime Act timetable has been set, which should include consideration of compensation for the victims.

In sentencing, His Honour Judge Carl Harrison reflected on the Victim Impact Statements provided by the residents affected and highlighted recurring themes within them, noting that it was clear that the offending had a serious detrimental effect on the victims, including emotional and psychological harm as well as financial.

Cllr Hywel Williams, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance and member of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Committee, said: “The outcome in this case should send out a clear message to all rogue traders that complaints of this nature will be investigated by our Shared Regulatory Service and action will be taken as appropriate.

“The residents have been through an extremely difficult time both personally and financially. I would encourage everyone to visit the SRS website for advice on how to avoid rogue traders and how to report a problem if something goes wrong.

“Particularly given the ongoing national financial pressures, residents should take their time and do their research to find reputable traders for any work.”

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Images: Examples of some of Paul Atkinson’s uncompleted work. Credit: Shared Regulatory Services