Date published: 2024-11-12 | Category: Focusing on prevention, Trading Standards
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards service has secured £108,085 in compensation for four victims of a rogue builder, following a Proceeds of Crime hearing on October 6, 2024.
Martin Brain, 52, of Blackhorse Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol, trading as Olive Interiors Ltd had, at a previous hearing, pleaded guilty to one offence relating to the contravention of professional diligence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 after duping four victims, including two Bath residents, out of £133,000. Brain received a nine-month suspended prison sentence.
Bristol Crown Court ruled on Wednesday, October 6, 2024, that Brain must repay £108,085 within three months as compensation to his four victims. The sum is part of proceeds from ill-gotten money he unlawfully obtained from his unprofessional business practices. There is a 12-month prison sentence if Brain does not repay the money within three months and he would still be required to repay the victims on release from prison.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "The efforts of our Trading Standards team have ensured that we not only brought Martin Brain to justice but also made sure that his ill-gotten gains are returned to the victims.
"We will continue to use powers at our disposal to take action against those who engage in illegal activities and to protect residents from rogue traders. This incident serves as a clear reminder that crime doesn’t pay.”
Residents who suspect they may have fallen victim to rogue traders are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice.
Trading Standards encourages all residents to visit the Buy with Confidence website when looking to hire an approved trader.
ENDS