A Poole man has been found guilty of defrauding a vulnerable 75 year old local man following a three day trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
Borough of Poole Trading Standards brought a successful prosecution against 60 year old Michael McCann, of Bowden Road in Poole, who was found guilty on 8 October 2014 of 2 counts of fraud and a further count of engaging in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence.
The offences related to external painting and decorating work undertaken by Mr McCann on the victim’s home. Mr McCann was found guilty of contravening requirements of professional diligence by carrying out a poor standard of work and overcharging £1,300 for work undertaken. He was also found guilty of providing a false name and address, ensuring that the victim had no means to contact Mr McCann once the work was completed.
Peter Haikin, Regulatory Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We heard during the trial from a qualified Chartered Surveyor who stated that the standard of decorating was the worst he had seen in 40 years and an extensive amount of remedial work was required to put it right.
“This case is about a trader looking to exploit an elderly vulnerable member of our community. We won’t tolerate such activities in Poole and this verdict serves as a stark warning to those people who think they can just get away with it that Trading Standards will use all means at their disposal to bring these traders to justice.”
Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole said: “Anyone can be targeted, but rogue traders often focus on the most vulnerable and elderly members of the community. So if you need work done on your homes use our trading standards approved trader scheme, www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call 08454 040506 for details of vetted tradesmen. Rogue traders will soon get the message that they are not welcome to operate here in Poole.”
The case has been adjourned for sentencing to 29 October 2014 at 10am at Bournemouth Crown Court.
