Rogue traders convicted for defrauding customers
Three directors with ASC Home Improvements Ltd and Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd have been convicted by Newcastle Crown Court.
At the trial which took place in February, Adam Crake, of Houghton-le-Spring, pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Trading in relation to ASC Home Improvements Ltd and Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd, and at a sentencing hearing that took place today, has been sentenced to five years and five months in prison and has been disqualified from being a company director for 10 years.
William Ramsey, of Newcastle Upon Tyne, pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations in relation to Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd and has received a sentence of 11 months, suspended for 12 months, as well as 150 hours of community service.
Sarah Callaghan, from North Tyneside, pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Trading in relation to ASC Home Improvements Ltd, and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
Gateshead Council had received over 100 complaints against the companies, and alongside the criminal investigation, had secured an Enforcement Order in 2019 to try to prevent their unlawful practices as soon as possible.
Anneliese Hutchinson, Service Director, Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport, said
"This has been a particularly appalling case, and we are really pleased with the sentences that have been imposed so far. We received a huge number of complaints about both of these companies and acted as swiftly as we could to prevent more people being affected.
"People paid thousands of pounds to these companies for home improvement work ranging from full kitchen extensions to small bathroom refits, and ended up with either very little or nothing to show for it and the courts have clearly recognised the seriousness of the offending."
Anneliese added:
"The results of this case should go as a warning to any other traders out there who think they can take money from people and carry out work to a very poor standard or not provide the goods or services at all."
Three directors with ASC Home Improvements Ltd and Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd have been convicted by Newcastle Crown Court.
At the trial which took place in February, Adam Crake, of Houghton-le-Spring, pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Trading in relation to ASC Home Improvements Ltd and Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd, and at a sentencing hearing that took place today, has been sentenced to five years and five months in prison and has been disqualified from being a company director for 10 years.
William Ramsey, of Newcastle Upon Tyne, pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations in relation to Aspire UK Home Improvements Ltd and has received a sentence of 11 months, suspended for 12 months, as well as 150 hours of community service.
Sarah Callaghan, from North Tyneside, pleaded guilty to Fraudulent Trading in relation to ASC Home Improvements Ltd, and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
Gateshead Council had received over 100 complaints against the companies, and alongside the criminal investigation, had secured an Enforcement Order in 2019 to try to prevent their unlawful practices as soon as possible.
Anneliese Hutchinson, Service Director, Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport, said
"This has been a particularly appalling case, and we are really pleased with the sentences that have been imposed so far. We received a huge number of complaints about both of these companies and acted as swiftly as we could to prevent more people being affected.
"People paid thousands of pounds to these companies for home improvement work ranging from full kitchen extensions to small bathroom refits, and ended up with either very little or nothing to show for it and the courts have clearly recognised the seriousness of the offending."
Anneliese added:
"The results of this case should go as a warning to any other traders out there who think they can take money from people and carry out work to a very poor standard or not provide the goods or services at all."
