A rogue builder who used false names to advertise has been jailed for two years.
John Ward, 35, provided homeowners with false information about who he was and then carried out the work to such a poor standard that his victims then had to pay other tradesmen to finish his work or carry out repairs from damage he had caused.
Ward, of Moorland Road, Burnley, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to one count of participating in fraudulent business and one count of breaching a criminal behaviour order.
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Bristol City Council - whose trading standards team led the investigation - said in a statement that Ward was found to use false names to advertise and solicit building work in Bristol via the Rated People website.
Councillor Nicola Beach, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste and Energy with responsibility for Regulatory Services said: “This case highlights the risks that rogue traders pose to our communities and the determination and effort we put in to disrupting the activities of perpetrators.
“Households are already facing challenges with the increased cost of living and rising bills – these do not need to be compounded by fraudulent tradesmen. At this time it’s hugely important for citizens to have confidence in Bristol’s tradespeople.
"Residents have every right to know who they are dealing with and to expect trustworthy and professional services. Our officers remain committed to investigating those who exploit that trust through scams and rogue trading.
"We are sending a clear message that rogue traders are not welcome in Bristol and we will take action to stop them from operating.”
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In sentencing, His Honour Judge Longman said: “Cowboy and rogue traders like you are a menace. You hold yourself out as competent when you are not.
"You leech on decent members of the public… leaving them in need of expenditure for repair work to make good your deficiencies.”
During the hearing last Thursday, March 3, at Bristol Crown Court, Ward was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and there will be a further hearing later this year under the Proceeds of Crime Act to determine if there is to be any financial compensation for the victims.
A Criminal Behaviour Order was in place against him from a previous conviction.
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