Rogue roofer who 'preyed on old residents' jailed

A rogue roofer who conned older residents out of thousands of pounds for "deliberate scams and shoddy work" has been jailed.

Benjamin Molloy, 39, of Birtwistle Avenue in Colne, Lancashire, was caught when a Trading Standards investigation found he had carried out poor, unnecessary work disguised as genuine repairs before demanding payment.

Lancashire County Council said the director of JR Roofing & Driveway Specialists Ltd targeted people aged between 69 to 74, with one person paying £17,450 for work found to be "unnecessary and worthless".

Molloy pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and was jailed for 12 months at Preston Crown Court.

At the hearing on 5 January he was also handed a five-year company director disqualification order and a three-year criminal behaviour order, prohibiting him from conducting or canvassing home improvements work.

Lancashire Trading Standards investigated Molloy's work after consumers complained.

It found one had been misled with false claims about dangerous defects, and another faced escalating demands for extra jobs and payments, only to be left with a leaking roof.

Another man's repairs were valued at just £450, when he was charged 10 times that amount.

Residents were left worse off than before Molloy began the work and faced further repair bills, the organisation said.

A surveyor instructed by trading standards confirmed Molloy's work showed a clear lack of skill and knowledge, and that there were no structural defects in the properties.

Speaking after the sentencing, county councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities said: "Rogue traders cause huge mental anguish to their victims and families, and we're pleased that justice has been served.

"Molloy preyed on older, vulnerable residents and thought he could get away with it – but thanks to the efforts of Lancashire Trading Standards, he's now behind bars."

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