A builder who failed to carry out gate and fencing work he was hired to do has left customers more than £6,000 out of pocket. Paul Pedler, owner of L&F Fabrication and Fencing Ltd based in Hirwaun, which manufactured cast iron metal gates and fencing, was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
Five customers left unpaid
Between June 2024 and August 2025, the company was hired by five customers to carry out various gate and fencing work, but these were not completed, and in some cases no work was carried out at all. The sentencing hearing on Wednesday heard that the work carried out was of a poor standard and customers did not receive refunds or deposits back after the defendant promised to do so.
The total amount Pedler received from customers which was not paid back amounted to £6,240.
Details of the failed jobs
The first victim hired the defendant to install a balcony at his home in Merthyr Tydfil and paid a £5,000 deposit. Pedler failed to start work and missed deadlines. Steel for the balcony was delivered but was rusty. The defendant offered partial discounts and a full refund, but failed to pay this back.
The second victims, a couple in Carmarthenshire, hired Pedler to supply and install three gates and paid a deposit of £1,000, but there was inconsistent communication with the defendant who made excuses and failed to attend to do work. The third victim hired Pedler to carry out fencing work, as well as gates and a canopy, paying a £750 deposit, but the defendant failed to attend. Fencing work which was carried out was inappropriate, incomplete and rusty.
The fourth victim, based in Newport, hired Pedler to install a side gate but he failed to keep appointments and provided excuses for his non-attendance. The fifth victim, based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, hired the defendant but he failed to attend. The victim was refunded but Pedler benefited by £1,120.
Court proceedings and sentence
Complaints were made to Merthyr Tydfil Council trading standards and the defendant was invited to attend an interview but he failed to show. The council also received a telephone call from people who claimed to be Pedler's stepmother and father, who offered to provide refunds and complete the work.
Pedler, of Sixth Avenue, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to carrying on business of company with intent to defraud creditors/for other fraudulent purpose, engaging in commercial practice which is a misleading action under reg 5, knowingly/recklessly engaging in commercial practice contravening reg 3(3)(a) distorting behaviour of average consumer, being a trader engaging in unfair commercial practice involving misleading action and being a trader engaging in unfair commercial practice involving contravention of requirements of professional diligence (x5). The court heard he has no previous convictions.
In mitigation, defence barrister Sol Hartley said his client had not acted dishonestly and had sought to venture out on his own by starting his own business but he was not "experienced enough or qualified to do that". Mr Hartley said the defendant's life was "blighted" by alcohol and drug misuse and he "did not have a handle on things". He said the defendant has two children and a partner who would suffer if he was sent to prison.
Sentencing, Judge Celia Hughes said she accepted the defendant had not exhibited "deliberate or malicious behaviour". Pedler was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also made subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order for six years and was ordered to pay a total of £5,750 in compensation.
