Rogue roofer jailed for scamming pensioners

A rogue roofer who scammed three pensioners out of thousands of pounds for work that Trading Standards said was "worthless" has been jailed.

Robert Macintyre, from Morecambe, left one 78-year-old victim with "extensive water ingress" after work costing £11,500 to keep a property watertight was not carried out.

Another job costing £1,600 for a married Morecambe couple in their 70s "fell well below what would be expected from a reasonably competent contractor" and needed to be re-done, Trading Standards said.

The 39-year-old had admitted three fraud and unfair commercial practice offences and was jailed for 12 months at Preston Crown Court.

The prosecution followed an investigation into works carried out at two addresses belonging to three Lancashire residents between December 2021 and May 2024.

Residents were left financially worse off than before Macintyre began as they faced either costly repair bills or having to get faulty work re-done, Lancashire Trading Standards said.

Macintyre misled his victims by falsely claiming to be qualified, certified or approved by City & Guilds, Velux and The British Board of Agreement, Trading Standards said.

On 26 November he pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities at Lancashire County Council, said: "Robert Macintyre carried out poor quality work for elderly residents for which he overcharged, but thanks to the efforts of our Trading Standards officers, he's now behind bars.

"This prosecution sends a clear signal that we won't tolerate rogue traders in Lancashire, and we'll do everything we can to bring them to justice."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.