A rogue builder preyed on vulnerable homeowners and conned them out of thousands of pounds in exchange for shoddy work.

Samuel Luke Kwame Noye, trading as Direct Property Maintenance, misled five homeowners between the ages of 48 and 78 with substandard and overpriced roofing work.

The 32-year-old’s victims suffered significant financial losses due to his actions. The largest individual loss amounted to £21,300, with other victims also being forced to pay additional sums out of their pockets to rectify the poorly done jobs.

Noye’s fraudulent activities, which began in June 2020, led to charges of money laundering and fraud.

In a previous hearing in September 2023, Noye, of Millthorpe Road, Horsham, received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to return to court for a confiscation order.

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He has now been ordered to pay £44,400 in compensation to his victims following a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Lewes Crown Court.

Councillor Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue, said: "Samuel Noye preyed on vulnerable homeowners, misleading them into paying for shoddy and overpriced work. The efforts of our Trading Standards team have ensured that we not only brought him to justice but also made sure that his ill-gotten gains are returned to those he defrauded.

"We will continue to use all the powers at our disposal to punish those who engage in illegal activities and to protect residents from falling victims of rogue traders. This incident serves as a clear reminder that crime doesn’t pay.”

Residents who suspect they may have fallen victim to rogue traders are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice.

Trading Standards has encouraged all residents to visit the Buy With Confidence website when looking to hire an approved trader.