A roofing business owner has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation and costs after a Warrington Borough Council Trading Standards investigation found that a resident was left out of pocket after paying a substantial deposit for work that was never carried out.
Mark Marsden, 40, of Rydal Street, Newton-le-Willows, trading as MM1st Roofing, was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 21 October 2026 after pleading guilty to three offences uncovered during a Trading Standards investigation.
The investigation began in August 2025 following a complaint from a Great Sankey resident. Marsden had attended the resident’s property to provide a quote for a replacement roof and, after the work was agreed, received a £3,500 deposit for materials. However, no work was ever carried out.
Despite repeated attempts by the resident to contact Marsden to arrange the work or obtain a refund, messages and refund requests went unanswered.
A Trading Standards investigation revealed that £3,360 of the £3,500 deposit was transferred from the MM1st Roofing business account into the personal account of Marsden’s partner and was subsequently used for living expenses.
Trading Standards officers made several attempts to interview Marsden during the investigation. While he provided limited explanations, officers found these to be inconsistent with the evidence gathered.
Marsden pleaded guilty to engaging in unfair commercial practices, breaching the Companies Act 2006 and money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
During sentencing, Marsden’s solicitor told the court that he had intended to complete the work but had prioritised caring for an unwell family member. The court also heard that Marsden believed the resident could seek reimbursement through their bank.
The court prioritised compensation for the victim, awarding £3,360 to the resident to cover the financial loss suffered. Marsden was also ordered to pay a fine of £280, including the victim surcharge, and £4,500 towards Warrington Borough Council’s prosecution costs.
Councillor John Kerr-Brown, Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Public Protection, said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision to award compensation to the resident involved. It is deeply disappointing when a homeowner places their trust in a business, only to be left out of pocket and ignored.
“Our Trading Standards team worked hard to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure the resident was supported. We expect all businesses operating in our borough to treat consumers fairly and honestly, and we will continue to step in to protect our community when those standards are not met.”
Warrington Trading Standards works in partnership with the Citizens Advice consumer service, which provides free advice and support to consumers experiencing issues with traders.
Residents who require consumer advice can visit the Citizens Advice website, complete an online complaint form or contact the consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
The affected resident has requested to remain anonymous.
