Cowboy Builder Jailed Over 58 Victim Fraud

A prolific cowboy builder who ripped nearly 60 victims across West Yorkshire and further afield has been jailed for five and a half years.

Adam Priestley, 40 of no fixed address, had been involved in a fraud totaling nearly half a million pounds.

Priestley took payments for building work which was either never started or never completed.

The offences mainly occurred in West Yorkshire - in Leeds, Bradford, and Kirklees, with others in Harrogate, Rochdale and Colne.

Detective Inspector Anna Tomlinson, who heads Leeds District Investigations Team, said:

“Priestley’s offending caused widespread misery for a very large number of people across West Yorkshire and beyond, over a significant period of time.

“He was an absolutely prolific fraudster who exploited people on an industrial scale. This is not a case of a legitimate trader falling behind with jobs, but someone who deliberately took the opportunity to rip people off repeatedly with no intention of completing any work.

“His victims have not only suffered significant financial loss but some have also had to endure the disruption and inconvenience of having their homes turned into building sites before being left to pick up the pieces.

“They have then been faced with the additional costs to get the work completed by other builders. We understand that in some cases, local tradespeople have rallied round out of good will to help victims, which is heart-warming to hear and will have helped to restore their faith in others.

“The scale of Priestley’s offending meant our investigators were faced with a huge challenge that required complex and painstaking enquiries to fully represent the complete evidential picture, in close liaison with our CPS colleagues. I am immensely proud of my team and their dedication to bring Priestley to justice.

“We hope his conviction and imprisonment will help to reassure all his victims and the wider community, and also serve as a clear warning to others who think they can defraud people in this way without having to face the consequences.

“While Priestley is the only person to blame here for his criminal actions, this case should act as a reminder to people to always be vigilant when employing tradespeople to do work at their homes. Thoroughly check their credentials and satisfy yourself that they are legitimate and trustworthy, ideally through personal recommendations from family or friends.

“Obtain written quotes before choosing who to use and be suspicious if you’re asked to pay large sums of money upfront, particularly in cash. Trading Standards or the Citizens Advice consumer helpline can also help with advice on trusted traders.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.

• West Yorkshire Police