Fraudulent builder sentenced to four years and three months immediate custodial sentence.
A fraudulent builder from Swindon who left work unfinished after pressuring victims to pay more than the agreed price has been sentenced at Reading Crown Court today (11 August 2023).
Michael Corcoran aged 43 of Stainswick Lane, Swindon, was sentenced to four years and three months immediate custodial sentence after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing on 26 May 2023 to three offences of fraudulent trading contrary to section 993 (1) of the Companies Act 2006.
Mr Corcoran was prosecuted following a large investigation by officers from the Council’s Public Protection Partnership (PPP) Investigation Team supported by the PPP Joint Case Management Unit, the Council’s Legal Services, and the National Trading Standards Tri-Regional Investigation Team.
Between October 2015 and January 2019, while trading under the guise of three companies* of which he was a director, Mr Corcoran undertook several large house renovation projects in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, generating multiple complaints from consumers.
Mr Corcoran’s dishonest representations on pricing and timetabling secured the work, with all but one of his customers approached after posting on mybuilder.com.
Mr Corcoran asked for significant sums up front as a deposit, and then, often on the first day, he would notify the homeowners of an unforeseen expense, usually a problem with steels or their sizing. He would ask for more money and continue asking for more over and above the agreed fixed price of contacts or in advance of ‘stage payment’ dates. If demands were not met, Mr Corcoran threatened to leave the job unfinished, a threat that was carried out on numerous occasions, leaving a large amount of work unfinished.
Consumers have suffered both financially and, in many cases, emotionally as a result of Mr Corcoran’s actions. One victim took early retirement to finish building work himself, having already paid over £80,000 more than was budgeted. While another, who employed Mr Corcoran to build the dream retirement home for her and her husband – who suffers with serious illnesses lives in a home needing constant repair without the funds to escape. She says her and her husband’s mental health have been impacted and their self-confidence shattered.
Commenting on the case Cllr Lee Dillon, Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee, said:
“It is unacceptable for traders to act in this way and is detrimental to the overwhelming majority of our local businesses which are trustworthy. I hope this case sends out the message that our dedicated officers will act against those that try to take advantage of our residents.”
Ian Wright, Operations Manager, NTS Tri-Regional Investigation Team, said:
“Taking large sums of money from honest consumers before attempting to ramp up costs by threatening to leave work unfinished is thoroughly dishonest and against the law.
“This complex joint investigation is a great example of collaboration and partnership working between our regional team and local authority Trading Standards services, and the sentence sends a clear message that we will work tirelessly to bring fraudulent builders to justice.
“If you, or someone you know has fallen victim to a fraud like this, you should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline by calling 0808 223 1133.”
The Public Protection Partnership is a shared service of Bracknell Forest Council, West Berkshire Council and delivers Wokingham Borough Council services for trading standards, environmental health, and licensing functions.
To report to our Trading Standards team please contact 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
