Sean Berry defrauded homeowners, taking deposits without doing work. Now he faces jail for his scams.
Trading Standards started an investigation after getting complaints from six people. These people lived in Easingwold, Whitby, Middlesbrough, Hull, and County Durham.
Berry, age 34, was the company director. Customers thought he would do electrical work and install solar panel systems. Customers paid deposits, up to 50%. He took the money, but did no work and never supplied any materials or provided refunds.
One victim felt betrayed by him and lost belief in tradesmen. She said Berry lied and manipulated her, and justice finally happened.
Berry was a solar panel installer with an address on Bankfields Road, Middlesbrough. He was sentenced at York Crown Court and North Yorkshire Council investigated him. He admitted fraud charges and unfair commercial practice, which violated consumer protection rules.
Berry got two years, eight months in jail. The fraud sentences and unfair trading sentences run simultaneously. The court did not order costs or compensation, and he received an immediate jail term.
Berry cannot be a company director for 10 years. He also got one day’s custody which runs concurrently for missing a prior hearing.
North Yorkshire Council warned people about scams, stating that similar scams are increasing and they should be careful. Cllr Greg White, an executive member for trading standards, discussed the issue.
He said they see more traders taking upfront money, then failing to do work or supply items. He understands the difficult trading climate, but misleading consumers is unacceptable and people should not pay for nothing. He hopes Berry’s sentence sends a message that they will not tolerate these business practices. He advises traders to communicate with customers, explain problems and agree on a plan because ignoring customers makes everything worse.