A Derby-registered, nationwide home improvements company, its sole company Director and another person connected to the business were sentenced at Tameside Magistrates Court on 7 June 2022 for a total of 16 trading standards offences in Stockport.
Platinum Home Improvements Ltd of Alvaston, Derby, Director Patrick Doherty and employee James Doherty were ordered to repay £12.747.72 to a vulnerable Stockport resident and must pay costs and fines totalling £19,086.50.
Stockport Trading Standards launched an investigation after the victim complained about building work that the company had carried out at his property. The work was shoddy, unnecessary and overpriced. James Doherty also repeatedly pointed out more work that the victim allegedly ‘needed’ and the victim was pressured into agreeing to work that he didn’t want and was not given any cancellation rights. The victim’s legitimate complaints, including damage to his gate, were dismissed. Apart from the guttering, an expert witness found the quality of work wholly unacceptable.
The victim feels that he has been taken advantage of and reports having been ‘afraid’, ‘startled’, ‘bewildered’ and ‘anxiety ridden’.
Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “I am delighted that our Officer’s work has ensured these criminals have been held to account for taking advantage of a vulnerable resident. The message is very clear; we will not tolerate this in Stockport and will take robust action wherever possible.”
