Builder Imprisoned for Defrauding Six Homeowners

A builder, identified as a rogue operator, has been incarcerated after defrauding homeowners and delivering substandard or incomplete work. Leon Pate, a 35-year-old resident of Burnley, Lancashire, operated as a builder and roofer, utilizing multiple business names such as Driveway Designs and Landscapes, and Build Landscapes, according to information from Lancashire County Council. Burnley Crown Court was informed that Pate consistently initiated projects, left properties in disarray, and subsequently declined to return to complete the work. He received an 11-month prison sentence after admitting guilt to charges involving six victims. The council’s Trading Standards team conducted an investigation that led to his prosecution. The council reported that individuals were left with unfinished roofing and resulting leaks, had paid for construction materials that were never delivered, and were left with significant amounts of waste to dispose of personally. In certain instances, he exerted pressure for additional payments ahead of schedule, threatening to halt work, and secured contracts through false assurances that projects would be finished in weeks, only to delay them for months. The council further noted that some victims continued to experience distress over a year after the commencement of the work. Pate, residing at Church Street, was found guilty of two charges: engaging in an aggressive commercial practice and engaging in a misleading commercial practice involving false information, both under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The courts initially postponed his sentence for six months after he asserted he would reimburse £30,000 to the six victims if granted a period of time. Nevertheless, as he failed to repay any amount, he has now been imprisoned. Pate is now subject to confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the aim of securing some restitution for the victims. Councillor Michael Green commented: “I was appalled to hear how Lancashire residents were exploited by Mr Pate, but I’m pleased he has been brought to justice.” He added: “Rogue traders can appear to be very friendly and plausible at the start of jobs, until things go wrong, when they leave houses in chaos and turn on customers,” and advised the public to conduct thorough background checks before hiring tradespeople. He recommended utilizing the Lancashire Safe Trader Scheme and obtaining several quotations for any work. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.