Stephen Mills convicted of fraud, leaving homeowners in disarray after his company A1 Lofts & Extensions shut down.
His company tricked people seeking home renovations using their website, brochures, contracts, and spoken promises. They claimed funds were safe in a secure account, protecting investments if the company went bust.
This claim was not always true. His company later went into liquidation, resulting in customers losing money and work remaining unfinished. Some people even lived on building sites with unsecured properties.
Mills was prosecuted despite the liquidation. As director, and sole director for much of that time, he was in charge during all the problems.
The court reviewed evidence that Mills lied to at least one person and handled sales and marketing but did not help with the investigation. Victims, liquidators, and accountants from the client account testified.
On October 25, 2024, the jury found Mills guilty of fraud and breaking consumer rules, having misled people through his actions. He received a suspended sentence of two years on February 28 and cannot be a director for ten years. He also needs twenty days of rehabilitation.
The judge stated that the jury disbelieved him and called him a convicted fraudster. People paid money into the client account, but he knew there were no safeguards, and the money was not used correctly.
Amanda Poole, from Surrey County Council, thanked victims and witnesses for helping bring Mills to justice, for his key role in the fraud. Fraud causes stress and worry so they will continue fighting fraudsters and advise residents on how to stay safe.