A rogue trader who conned 24 victims of more than £31,000 has been sentenced to prison for 19 months.
Mark Thirkell, aged 49, of Laburnum Park, Brandon was sentenced today at Durham Crown Court in a case brought by Durham County Council.
The court heard how Thirkell, between March 2020 and February 2022, would attend customers’ properties before giving them a quote for rendering work.
He would then ask for a deposit or downpayment for materials which customers would pay, but Thirkell would often not return to carry out the work using the same excuses, such as a broken-down van, equipment not working or that he was attending hospital.
On the occasions that he did return to customers’ properties, he would only carry out minimal or substandard work. One customer was £10,000 worse-off as a result of Thirkell’s fraud, the largest amount lost by a single complainant.
Customers often asked for refunds and, even during investigations, Thirkell stated that he would pay them back but never did.
The court heard how Thirkell was labelled as ‘thoroughly dishonest’ while displaying a ‘lack of empathy and insight for the victims.’
Gary Carr, Durham County Council’s strategic regulation manager, said: “Thirkell has been the source of misery for many people in the county over a number of years, so we are pleased that this case has brought successful legal action against him. We hope this prosecution demonstrates our commitment towards tackling rogue traders and that we will fight for customers’ rights.
“We would always encourage residents to use a trusted trader scheme when looking for someone to carry out work on their property. If someone feels they have been the victim of rogue trader activity, they can report it to the Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or the police on 101.”
