This is what a "catalogue of misery" left by a shoddy Bristol builder looks like. Simon Robbins left five customers out of pocket to the tune of £184,000, Bristol Crown Court heard. The court was told some work was so bad it left people living in homes which were close to collapse. Robbins, 44, of Goffenton Drive in Fishponds, pleaded guilty to engaging in misleading commercial practice.
The recorder Mr Adam Vaitilingam KC handed him an eight-month jail term, suspended for two years. Robbins was also given a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order designed to stop reoffending.
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The recorder told Robbins: "The catalogue of misery you brought to people continued for over a year. It was reckless, misleading, fraudulent and repeated over a number of customers."
Alan Fuller, prosecuting, said: "The prosecution contends that the defendant breached the requirements of professional diligence in several ways." He listed the breaches as:
- Carrying out work that failed to comply with building regulations
- Carrying out electrial work that left customers' properties unsafe
- Preparing and carrying out structural work that caused properties to be unsafe
- Carrying out work without reasonable skill and care
- Failing to comply with customers' reasonable instructions
- Leaving properties exposed and not watertight
- Not supplying goods and materials paid for in advance by customers
- Failing to make reasonable progress with work
Catherine Flint, defending, said the pandemic and related lockdown presented a "perfect storm" for her client, as well as relationship difficulties.
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