Date published: 2026-08-27 | Category: Focusing on prevention, Trading Standards
A roofer who swindled vulnerable residents across the South West and Wales out of more than £41,000 by overcharging for poor-quality roofing work has been handed a prison sentence following a prosecution by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Richard Michael Todd, 37, of Forth Avenue, Portishead, was sentenced to three years and two months in custody at Bristol Crown Court today (August 27) following an investigation by Bath & North East Somerset Council's Trading Standards team.
The investigation revealed Todd preyed on homeowners searching the Bark.com website to find a professional to carry out urgent roof repairs.
In just over two months between 15 November 2022 and 31 January 2023, the 12 victims paid out a total £41,690. Each resident had been charged excessive fees for the roofing work undertaken, which was often completed quickly and to a poor standard.
Many were left battling the same leaks after the repairs were supposedly completed. In one case, Todd took payment upfront and never returned to do the work.
On 10 July 2026, Todd pleaded guilty to carrying on a business for a fraudulent purpose, contrary to the Fraud Act 2006. He admitted:
- Overcharging customers for work undertaken
- Failing to carry out work for which he had received payment in advance
- Falsely claiming that work was covered by a guarantee
- Charging customers VAT without accounting for those monies to HM Revenue & Customs.
Todd returned to Bristol Crown Court today for sentencing. In sentencing Judge Ambrose said: “The victims placed their trust in you, you took advantage of that trust.”
The judge and the council have agreed to apply for a confiscation order to further investigate Todd’s means of repaying the victims.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “This case highlights the significant harm that rogue traders can cause to vulnerable people. Let this be a warning to scammers that they might think they can take people for a ride, but the council won't stand by while innocent residents are exploited.”
Anyone who thinks they might have fallen victim to a rogue trader should report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service which works in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards. Telephone 0808 223 1133.
Before agreeing to any work, your local Trading Standards team recommend that you:
- Read reviews of traders and if possible use the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme.
- Ask at least three approved traders for quotes.
- Never pay up front and never pay cash.
- Say no to doorstep sellers.
- Always get a detailed written quotation/contract.
- Check the builder’s references and even pay visits to the references.
- Ask your neighbours, family or friends for personal recommendations of builders who have worked for them and carried out a good job.
ENDS