Rogue builders jailed after conning York man out of nearly £93,000
Two rogue traders have been jailed after scamming a York resident out of nearly £93,000.
Patrick Connors and John McEvoy first targeted their victim, a man in his 60s who lives on his own, in October 2021.
They knocked on his door and informed him that he needed fascias and soffits fixing on the roof of his house.
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The victim initially told them he wasn’t interested, but they insisted and started the work.
The pair then told him the roof needed other urgent repairs as did a crack in his home’s plasterwork.
Patrick Connors is arrested. Photograph: North Yorkshire Police
The victim made six payments between 6 and 30 October 2021 to one account, and then a further 18 payments to another account between 5 November and 22 December 2021.
Concerned, he called in police in January 2022. Officer then met the builders as they returned to do more work at the house, on the outskirts of the city.
After an investigation, they were charged with fraudulently obtaining £92,930, and pleaded guilty earlier this month.
Today (Thursday) Connors, 44, of Roseberry Park, Bristol, and McEvoy, 33, of Bro Athro, Cardiff, were jailed for five years and three years respectively at York Crown Court.
The victim has had around half the money refunded by his bank, but he has still suffered substantial financial losses.
Patrick Connors
Other suspects have been identified and arrested as part of the investigation.
Detective Constable Nick Lane, of the North Yorkshire Police economic crime unit, led the long-running investigation.
He said: “The victim paid a total of £92,930 for very little building work done to his house, and even that was to a very poor standard as confirmed by an expert witness surveyor who assessed it and produces a report on his findings.
“Connors and McEvoy intimidated the victim to pay a large amount of money for repairs that were not asked for and not needed by the homeowner.
John McEvoy
“This clearly demonstrates a callous criminal tactic that is often used by rogue builders.
“If builders or other traders turn up at your house uninvited, our crime prevention message is to tell them that you are not interested. Then make a report to the police on 101 or 999 for an emergency response if you feel threatened.
“Genuine workers will not behave in this way. They will make arrangements by appointment only and will carry ID with contact details to verify their credentials.
“Trust your instincts regarding suspicious activity and keep look out for your relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to such cold-call approaches.”
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