Rogue trader prosecuted

A ROGUE trader, who was on licence from prison, has been prosecuted after demanding money from a 75-year-old man in Lymm for unauthorised work at the man’s home.
Salus Evergreen Jones, aged 35, of Two Acre Park, Walton, pleaded guilty to three consumer protection offences at Warrington Magistrates Court, and was handed fine and costs of £820.
The council are now urging other residents across the borough to be vigilant as part of National Consumer Week (November 3-7).
Jones visited the victim’s house on 17 March 2014 and carried out unauthorised work to trees in the victim’s garden before demanding payment of £600 for the work. The victim felt under pressure to pay for the work despite have not agreed to it so handed over a cheque for the £600.
Jones returned on 28 March 2014 claiming to have carried out yet more unauthorised work and demanded a further £300 but fortunately Jones was sent away on this occasion.
Jones provided false contact details to the victim thus making it impossible for the consumer to contact him and he failed to provide the legally required cancellation rights to the victim.
Following a report from a concerned local resident these incidents were investigated by Warrington Trading Standards where officers were able to trace the cheque written by the victim to identify and locate Jones.
Following the investigation offences were laid under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Investigating Officer was also able to secure a £600 refund for the victim.
It was also found that Jones was recalled to prison after he was interviewed as he was on licence at the time the offences had been committed.
Peter Astley, assistant director for regulation and public protection at the council, said: “Traders who use aggressive practices prey on the vulnerable will not be tolerated in Warrington and we will do whatever we can to curb this despicable crime. In this case a report from a concerned neighbour of the victim, allowed for this trader to be brought before the Courts and we are delighted with the outcome. We are very grateful to the ‘Good Samaritan’ who tipped us off thus enabling us to take this strong action.”
Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “We need more residents to report this type of incident and get behind our “Concerned Neighbours Stop Rogue Traders” campaign as part of National Consumer Week.
“National Consumer Week is a fantastic opportunity for all residents to play a part in stopping rogue traders operating here in Warrington. We would urge residents to report cold callers by calling Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. Don’t forget to include the date, time and location of the incident and any descriptions of the person or vehicles involved.”