A roofing contractor has been sentenced following a Trading Standards investigation into fraudulent trading practices that left a Warrington homeowner significantly out of pocket.
Ryan Topley, 35, of Moreton Road, Crewe, trading as RK Roofing and Rooflines, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 18 September 2026 after previously pleading guilty to three money laundering offences at Liverpool Crown Court on 11 May 2026.
The Trading Standards investigation began in August 2022 after a Burtonwood resident reported concerns about work carried out on their property.
Topley initially attended the property to replace a small number of roof slates for £250. However, he subsequently misled the homeowner into paying more than £24,000 for a replacement roof and a further £6,000 for the alleged replacement of rotten roof joists.
The investigation found that the work was left incomplete, much of the work that had been undertaken was carried out to a poor standard, and waste materials had been left dumped at the property.
An independent roofing expert commissioned by Warrington Trading Standards examined the roof and described the workmanship as being of a “shockingly poor standard”. The expert found no evidence that the roof joists had been replaced and estimated that the value of work completed was no more than £2,500.
Topley was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days with probation.
The court awarded the Burtonwood resident £14,000 in compensation, representing the total value of Topley’s available assets. The compensation must be paid within 56 days. Failure to do so will result in him being brought back before the court.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for housing services and licensing, said: “This case shows very clearly the harm that dishonest business practices can inflict on ordinary people. The homeowner suffered a significant financial loss, alongside lengthy emotional distress and worry caused by the trader’s actions.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to taking firm action against any business that seeks to exploit consumers. I would also like to thank our Trading Standards team for their determination in delivering justice during a complex and prolonged investigation.”
Warrington Trading Standards works in partnership with the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which provides advice and support to consumers and shares information with Trading Standards.
Anyone seeking consumer advice or wishing to report concerns about traders can visit the Citizens Advice website, complete the online complaint form, or call the Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, which is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
