A ROGUE builder, previously prosecuted by Trading Standards, was told he produced "shoddy work" as he was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay almost £27,000 in costs.

John Henry Medd Taylor appeared at York Crown Court for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to two counts in relation to fraudulent workmanship and failing to provide fixtures and fittings despite being paid for it.

Taylor, who had previously been prosecuted by Stockton Borough Council Trading Standards in relation to unfair trading and handed a suspended nine-month sentence for two years, was again prosecuted after a Stokesley resident paid him to provide tiles, a granite worktop and bathroom fixings which were never delivered.

The resident, who was alleged to have paid about £10,000 to Taylor, complained to North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards who began an investigation into his actions.

Pleading guilty to two offences contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations during a hearing on November 4, 2019, Taylor was last week sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for one year for each offence and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Taylor was also ordered to pay compensation of £22,000 to the householders and costs of £4,300.

Passing sentencing, Judge Hickley said he "richly deserved" to go into custody for the offences which were "strikingly similar to previous offences," but that his responsibilities to his dependents and the possibility of Taylor earning money to pay compensation led him to suspend the sentence.

Despite hearing references from customers who had been satisfied with Taylor's work, the judge said: "the sad fact is you do produce shoddy work."

Councillor Andrew Lee, portfolio older for trading standards, said: "The cost of hiring a bad builder can be more than just financial as householders place their trust and their home in the hands of the builder concerned.

"Our trading standards service will not hesitate to investigate rogue trading, especially in cases where substantial amounts of money have been paid and no goods or services received.

"I am pleased that the sentence passed today reflects the impact Mr Taylor’s trading practices had on the resident.”