Archibald Brown conned an Erskine pensioner out of £3,500 for a bathroom he never installed. Court orders repayment.
Brown promised Betty McPherson a new bathroom in 2023. He took money for supplies, but never completed the work, keeping the cash for himself instead. He admitted to scamming Betty and another couple, explaining he used the money for drug debts. This occurred at Paisley Sheriff Court, where his not guilty plea for another scam was accepted.
Sheriff McCartney ordered Brown to repay Betty. Her daughter, Margaret, had sought Brown’s help after Betty’s fall, trusting him because he had done work for neighbors.
Betty, 85, broke her knee and was in the hospital, requiring the installation of a stairlift. The shower was difficult for her, causing her distress, prompting them to hire Brown to install a wet room. He quoted £4,500 and requested £3,500 upfront for materials. However, he gave excuses and never showed up. Margaret is glad it is over, as it significantly stressed her mother.
Betty’s son David stated that she felt stressed, adding that the outcome was positive. They are pleased to recover the money, emphasizing that it was wrong to steal from an elderly woman.
Brown also scammed a couple in Blantyre, who paid him £2,000 for bathroom work. He never did it, but the bank refunded them. Unfortunately, Betty never got her money back until the court ruling.
Brown’s lawyer stated he was ashamed, attributing his actions to drug problems and debts. Sheriff McCartney strongly criticized Brown’s actions, pointing out that he took money and performed no work.
The Sheriff deemed it a serious matter. He avoided sending Brown to jail, instead ordering 280 hours of unpaid community service. Brown must also repay the £3,500 within six months, with social work supervising him for nine months.