Dogged and determined council forces conman to pay out

VICTIMS of a notorious gang of rogue driveway layers will be able to get their money back thanks to Enfield Council.

All the residents who came forward to help the Council and Police secure the imprisonment of Tommy, Patrick, Mary and James Connors, will be awarded compensation after the court ordered £1.5 million to be confiscated from the Connors under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Enfield Councillor Terry Neville – cabinet member for environment said: “This is a victory for consumers everywhere. The dogged determination shown by Council officers to bring the gang to justice should be a warning to anyone thinking of targeting Enfield’s residents”

The Connors gang ripped off dozens of residents in Enfield and Hertfordshire between 24 February 2005 and 24 February 2006.

They were eventually found guilty of numerous trading law offences after a four-week trial in Luton Crown Court last year brought by Hertfordshire Police having spent over a year on remand. The subsequent proceeds of Crime investigation has resulted in the £1.5 mil compensation order.

The Connors made notoriety in the local and national press when Enfield Council successfully secured a Enterprise Act Enforcement Order banning Tommy Connors from carrying illegal activities in the course of his block paving business anywhere in the UK.

The order was the first of its type issued in London.

Bob Griffiths, Enfield Council’s Trading Standards said: “Connors had a track record of starting work without agreement, doing shoddy work and not recognising consumer rights.

“Thanks to the diligent detective work of my officers and Hertfordshire Police he and his gang have finally learnt that crime doesn’t pay and has had a lengthy time to think about it in prison. I am sure they will think twice before ripping off any more of our residents and other home owners across the country.”

This document was last updated on 2008-04-08 11:43:16 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132647