FRAUD victims who were conned out of thousands by bogus tradesmen are set to get their money back thanks to recent court action.

Witnesses in cases prosecuted by the multi-agency Operation Gauntlet are receiving their money back following confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Thirteen individuals, families or small businesses are due to receive either the full amount of their losses or a significant proportion in the coming weeks.

The cases include Shaun Thomas Jr, 29, of Holmelea travellers’ site, Elvington, York, who was ordered to pay £20,238.83 on September 21.

This money, which must be paid by October 21, will be used to compensate in full ten victims who were defrauded in relation to tarmac works undertaken at their properties by Thomas and his relatives in 2016.

Thomas, his father Shaun Thomas Sr, his brother Henry Hartley Thomas and Thomas Mounsey were convicted of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering in December 2018.

They were sentenced to a combined total of 14-years’ imprisonment.

The North East Regional Economic Crime Unit undertook the financial investigation, in partnership with North Yorkshire Trading Standards. Confiscation proceedings are due to take place in relation to the remaining three defendants in July 2021.

A second case was heard at Teesside Crown Court on Monday in relation to the defendants George Henry Queen Flanigan of Stirling Road, Kinross-shire, William Stewart of Holmelea Travellers' Site and Shaun Doyle of Claremont Road, Darlington.

They were made the subject of confiscation orders following their convictions for conspiracy to defraud in relation to roofing works conducted at the homes of elderly and vulnerable victims in 2016.

They were sentenced to a combined total of ten years one month imprisonment in December 2018.

At Monday’s hearing, William Stewart was ordered to repay £30,000 within three months.

This will be used to compensate three elderly victims.

Speaking after the Proceeds of Crime hearing, a man in his 70s who was a victim of Stewart, Doyle and Flanigan said: “I am absolutely indebted to North Yorkshire Trading Standards and I cannot thank them enough.

"Never in my life have I had reason to be more grateful to anyone.”

County Councillor Andrew Lee, executive member for trading standards, added: “This is a great result for the Operation Gauntlet team and shows the impact of the work they carry out.

"Not only have they successfully prosecuted these defendants, resulting in prison sentences, more importantly they have now secured compensation for the victims of these frauds.

"In some cases, that includes the life savings of elderly and vulnerable victims.

"We are grateful to our partner agencies, including the North East Regional Economic Crime Unit, for their assistance in achieving these results.”