TWO rogue traders who misled and withheld money from customers have been sentenced following a joint investigation by the trading standards services of Warrington and Halton councils.
Lee Ward, aged 41, from King Street, Ellesmere Port, was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years and also told by Liverpool Crown Court he would have to do 200 hours’ unpaid work and faces a six-month evening and night time curfew.
Nigel Franchetti, aged 42, of Lexington Walk, Boston Boulevard, Great Sankey, who worked with Ward faces a community order of 200 hours’ unpaid work and six-month curfew on Sunday evenings and overnight.
The pair who traded as Phoenix UPVC Ltd and Ultimate UPVC Ltd T/A Phoenix, based in Runcorn, pleaded guilty to multiple offences under Consumer Protection Regulations.
Ward’s offences included being aggressive towards customers in person, over the phone and via text message as well as misleading them about his business and withholding deposit money that should have been refunded and doing very shoddy work.
Franchetti’s offences included misleading customers and withholding money from customers.
Sentencing the pair Judge Woodward said the pre-sentencing review showed they were both in debt.
Peter Astley, assistant director of public protection, said: “We will not hesitate to take robust enforcement action against traders who commit these sorts of offences. This case demonstrates that flouting consumer protection laws will lead to action in the courts.”
Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for public protection, said: “The behaviour of these individuals left some hard-working and vulnerable customers out of pocket by, in some cases, thousands of pounds. They also caused a lot of worry and stress for these residents. We hope this sentence sends a message that this will not be tolerated.”
For advice or to report a matter contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0345 4040506 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer.
