A Cheshire-based plumber is facing hefty fines and a prison sentence for defrauding a disabled pensioner out of more than £5000.
Mold Crown Court heard that Andrew Young, 37, of Millfields, Nantwich as Andy Plumb & Heat, had responded to a Google ad placed by 69-year old-Kenneth Hawley, who needed a bathroom adaptation to accommodate his disabilities. Mr Hawley is blind and confined to a wheelchair due to a serious lung condition. He also relies on hearing aids.
The court was told that Mr Young promised to complete the refurbishment for £3850 and work would begin on 27th September 2016. Mr Hawley made two payments of £2000 each via internet banking, with costs escalating to £5,450 to include lighting, tiling, and a non-slip floor.
Although Mr Young took the money from Mr Hawley’s account, he delayed the start of work, claiming in the first instance that he had broken his arm on his honeymoon, and later that his mother was ill.
In October of 2016, Mr Hawley contacted Denbighshire County’s Trading Standards department to report that the work had not been done, though payment had been made. After months of investigation, the department referred the case for prosecution.
According to reporting in The Leader, Mr Young admitted to fraud at trial after initially maintaining he was not guilty. The Judge in the case told the defendant that he would have to repay the £5450 taken from Mr Hawley and contribute £6000 towards £8000 in court costs.
The Leader reported the judge as saying:
Any right-minded person will be shocked by what you did. He [Mr Hawley] simply wanted a bathroom adapted so he could wash himself properly and you took that as an opportunity to make money.
“My main aim is to reclaim the money for him and for Denbighshire County Council. I also will make it quite clear that you are still likely to get a custodial sentence, but it will be significantly reduced. It is up to you.”
Judge Parry directed the jury to find Young guilty, describing his action as a ‘despicable offence’.
The victim, Mr Hawley, was eventually forced to take out a loan for £5000 so another contractor could do the work.
Andrew Young’s company, Andy Plumb & Heat Limited, has been dissolved and is no longer in business.
