A despicable cowboy builder who callously swindled a vulnerable family out of their life savings, leaving their dream home in a state of dangerous disrepair, has finally been brought to justice.
Lee Roberts, 38, presented himself as a trustworthy tradesman but was in fact a systematic con artist. He cold-heartedly took £65,000 from his victims, promising a beautiful home transformation but delivering a nightmare of botched work and structural chaos.
A Dream Home Turned Into a Living Nightmare
The family’s vision of a perfect home was utterly shattered by Roberts’ dangerous and incompetent work. Instead of the promised high-quality extension, they were left with a hazardous building site. The so-called ‘construction’ was so perilous that surveyors later declared the entire structure unsafe and threatening to collapse.
Every aspect of the job was a monument to his negligence: foundations were dangerously inadequate, walls were unsupported, and the roofing was so poorly installed it posed an immediate risk.
The Financial and Emotional Ruin
The financial impact was devastating. The family lost their entire investment, leaving them financially crippled. But the damage extended far beyond money. The stress and betrayal inflicted severe emotional distress, turning what should have been an exciting project into a traumatic ordeal.
They were forced to evacuate their own home, facing the immense additional cost of alternative accommodation while staring at the ruins of their savings.
Justice Served at Peterborough Crown Court
Lee Roberts of no fixed abode was finally held accountable for his crimes at Peterborough Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation. The judge sentenced him to two years and four months in prison, a stark warning to other rogue traders preying on honest homeowners.
This case highlights the critical importance of thorough vetting when hiring contractors. Authorities urge the public to always use trusted, certified tradespeople from recognised platforms like Checkatrade to avoid falling victim to similar heartbreaking scams.
