Norfolk rogue trader jailed
He left a string of victims across East Anglia
Last updated 26th Feb 2021
A rogue roofer who took thousands of pounds from unsuspecting householders for work he didn't finish, or in many cases even start, has been handed a three year custodial sentence at King's Lynn Crown Court today, Thursday 25 February.
Wesley Theobald, 30, previously from Swaffham, pleaded guilty to his crimes in October 2020 in a successful prosecution brought by Norfolk County Council Trading Standards. The investigation carried out by the trading standards team revealed a clear pattern of fraudulent trading dating back to 2017.
Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, welcomed the sentence and said:
"The defendant had no choice but to plead guilty due to the strong clear case put together by our dedicated trading standards team. This rogue builder's fraudulent activities over a period of time fell far short of what is expected of a professional trader and cost his victims thousands of pounds through his incomplete and substandard work."
Between December 2017 and September 2020 Mr Theobald was contracted by a total of nine consumers across East Anglia to carry out roofing repairs. Despite being paid over £27,000 in deposits for the work, in the cases where the works were started, they were never completed. As a result five of the consumers had to pay out a total of £20,000 in additional costs for remedial work. Mr Theobald has only provided refunds in two cases totalling just over £600.
As part of his summing up the Judge, Mr Recorder Sells QC, praised Norfolk County Council Trading Standards for bringing the prosecution and said:
"These investigations are incredibly difficult and complex and I would like to commend the investigating officer in this case."
Mr Recorder Sells QC said that Mr Theobald's actions, "...had a serious effect on the victims, some elderly and retired, some younger" and added that his conduct can only be described as "despicable".
Confiscation proceedings, under proceeds of crime legislation, will follow and will include consideration of compensation for victims, as well as for the costs of the investigation.