A builder who defrauded a homeowner of £100,000, leaving their property in a state of ruin, has been jailed. The case was one of many heard at Newcastle Crown Court during 2020, as courts remained operational despite the pandemic.
The fraudster, whose identity has not been disclosed in this summary, took substantial payments for renovation work that was never completed. The victim's home was left uninhabitable, with structural damage and incomplete building works.
Judge Robert Adams described the crime as a 'calculated and cruel deception' that caused significant financial and emotional distress. The builder was sentenced to a term of imprisonment, reflecting the severity of the offence.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the justice system to hold criminals accountable, even amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus lockdowns.
