A roofer who tried to overcharge an Enfield resident for unnecessary and substandard work has received a suspended prison sentence and been forced to repay more than £22,000.
Patrick Long, age 38 from Silverwood Close in Waltham Abbey and company director of Starlight Roofing Contractors Ltd, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on 14 July after an investigation by Enfield Council's Trading Standards team.
The court heard how Long quoted the resident an inflated price of over £30,000 for roofing work that was later valued at just £18,000 and included false claims of a rat infestation and urgent repairs that weren’t needed.
The offences occurred between 20 July and 27 July 2023 at a residential property in Enfield (EN3).
The resident was not satisfied with the work carried out and contacted Citizens Advice to make a complaint which was then referred to the Council’s Trading Standards service.
Long pleaded guilty to two offences under consumer protection laws; failing to provide a legally required notice of cancellation and quoting an excessive and misleading price for work that was not justified.
An independent surveyor appointed by Enfield Council found no evidence of structural problems, rot, insect damage or rats. The work that was carried out was poorly done, with misaligned tiles, faulty guttering and felt that was not laid correctly.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
He has repaid the Enfield resident who commissioned his services £22,171.49 in compensation and must also pay £2,000 towards the Council’s legal costs, plus a £187 victim surcharge. Long is now banned from being a company director for five years.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services at Enfield Council, Cllr Susan Erbil, said: “We will not tolerate rogue tradespeople in Enfield.
“The successful prosecution demonstrates the positive action the Council is taking to eradicate deceit and illegal practices by irreputable traders who break the law.
“My advice to residents is not to trade on the doorstep, ask a trusted friend or family for advice on reputable traders, try to get at least three quotes for building related work, and compare the figures provided.
“I would also advise Enfield residents to look out for their neighbours, as criminals often target vulnerable or socially isolated people, and to report any suspicious activity.”
Professional looking websites, printed leaflets and newspaper advertisements are often used by criminals to give themselves an air of credibility.
Residents should be wary of such tactics and carry out thorough checks before signing an agreement or contract for building work on their property.