Judge Erik Salomonsen, sitting at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 18 May 2017, ordered that Lee Anthony Butterworth of Oxlea Close, Torquay pay £104,098.02. This was by way of a Confiscation Order with a default of 2 years imprisonment if not paid within 3 months.

Mr Butterworth had previously been given a two year suspended sentence for a number of fraud and money laundering offences.

Executive Lead for Community Services, Councillor Robert Excell, said “This is a great result showing that crime does not pay. People like Mr Butterworth undermine consumer’s confidence in builders but are caught eventually.

“Please let this be a warning to others that Torbay, now in partnership with Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, will pursue those who commit these types of crimes and seek justice for those affected.”

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering building works, unless they have received good recommendations from others, looks at the ‘Find an approved trader or business Opens in a new window’ website which gives a list of those businesses that are trading standards approved. These companies have been through rigorous examinations to ensure that they are not rogue traders.

If you suspect illegal trading of services or products, please get in touch with the Torbay Trading Standards Team by calling 08454 040506.