A builder was sentenced for poor work on a £31,000 extension for a man with Parkinson’s, causing financial strain.
Gary Nelson charged over £31,000. The woman’s husband had Parkinson’s disease and a chronic back problem. He needed to use a wheelchair inside. The poor work cost her another £37,500. She had to fix Nelson’s mistakes.
A judge said she needed to work two extra years to cover extension costs. The home is in Ingleby Barwick. Nelson kept working during the case on two big projects. He pleaded guilty to fraud and admitted to unfair trading charges.
The judge said work stopped for long periods and Nelson asked for early payments. The work was of poor quality, unfinished and inferior. He did not follow building rules, and building control sent a notice.
A surveyor found many problems, some work was not the right size and might not even work. Remedial work cost more than the original job. It cost her about £37,500 to get it corrected.
The victim had to work longer to pay for fixing his bad work. The prosecutor, speaking for Stockton Council, said work started late in 2021. It remained largely incomplete with significant delays. There also were problems with doors, tiles, a cracked floor, dampness, and water leaks. The roof was not insulated, and there was an unfinished bathroom. Wheelchair access was not right, and the floor construction was inadequate. Nelson threatened to quit if unpaid.
Nelson admitted fraud and unfair practice in January. He said the work was not planned fraud, blaming bad weather and Covid pressure.
His lawyer said he runs a good business. The fraud happened between February and May 2022. Covid and bad conditions made him act badly, but he trades successfully and currently manages two large projects. The lawyer said the firm earns money and is profitable. He could pay compensation. But, don’t ruin the business.
The judge wanted to repay the victim but did not want to destroy the business. He told Nelson the shoddy work wasn’t understood and Covid and rising prices were not an excuse.
His firm employs people; prison would hurt them. The judge suspended his jail sentence, giving two years, suspended for two years. He must have rehab and unpaid work.
The judge ordered him to pay compensation totalling £31,190. Nelson must also pay £9,063 in costs.
A councillor said the sentence is welcomed as it warns fraudulent traders of consequences. They will work to protect residents. People can contact the council with concerns using the provided phone or e-mail.