A rogue roofer in Cornwall lost customers £50,000 through fraud and poor workmanship. Ross Cheal, 46, was prosecuted by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team.
Between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2023, Cheal – in his capacity of director of Giant Roofing Ltd – made fraudulent representations and excuses to customers for roofing works carried out at several properties. In the seven cases highlighted by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, Cheal’s actions led to significant delays, poor workmanship and failures to put work right.
The total financial impact to the consumers was in the region of £50,000 – with many having to pay out further monies to get the work rectified. The Trading Standards officers found that Cheal’s conduct fell short of those normally expected by professional in the roofing industry, leaving his customers frustrated and out of pocket.
Yesterday (Thursday, January 9) at Truro Crown Court, Cheal, of Angarrack, near Hayle, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay a total of £29,541 in compensation to his victims, and £5,000 towards the council’s court costs.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for public protection at Cornwall Council, said: “This is another unfortunate example of customers being hit financially by traders and businesses who take no care in the quality of their work, and then actively mislead customers to avoid their responsibilities. We always look to provide advice and guidance to businesses where possible, but sometimes there is no alternative but to take formal action, and we hope that this prosecution sends a strong message to others.”
The same day at the same court, another – much worse – rogue trader was brought to justice by Cornwall Council, and got jailed. Dozens of families have been put through hell by “insidious” landscaper Scott Andrew Murray, who ran a Ponzi scheme for years, took their money and left their homes and gardens in such a shoddy and dangerous state they became dangerous health hazards. See his face, the victims’ personal tales and the full story here.
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