Hertfordshire rogue trader ordered to repay £10,000 after leaving pensioner’s roof at risk of collapse
Peter Howarth, 28, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court
A rogue trader has been ordered to repay an 83-year-old Hemel Hempstead woman £10,000 after substandard roofing work left her garden terrace unsafe and at risk of collapse.
Peter Howarth, 28, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (16 October) to 18 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, after admitting fraudulent trading, unfair commercial practices and money laundering.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service investigated after the woman contacted Howarth’s company, Marleyroofingandbuilding Ltd, in September 2024, following a leaflet through her door.
She initially agreed to pay £6,000 for repairs to her garage roof, which she used as a garden terrace. However, work began without a written contract and Howarth subsequently claimed additional repairs were needed, increasing the price to £10,000.
An independent roofing surveyor found the work was of a very poor standard, with rotten structural beams left unreplaced. The roof remained dangerous and at risk of collapse, while the work provided no value for money.
Investigators found that the homeowner’s £10,000 payment was deposited into Howarth’s personal bank account, with £8,000 withdrawn in cash within days. The company had also been registered using a false address.
Howarth acknowledged the poor standard of the work during an interview and said he would refund the victim, but no refund was made.
Alongside the suspended prison sentence, Howarth must pay the woman £10,000 in compensation and is disqualified from acting as a company director for six years. His company was fined £250.
A five-year Criminal Behaviour Order also restricts his business activities, including approaching residential properties for property maintenance without an invitation and targeting anyone over 65 or considered vulnerable.
In a victim impact statement, the woman said she had hoped the repairs would give her a space to enjoy outdoors and care for her plants, but the terrace remained unsafe to use.
Councillor Ajanta Hilton, Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for public health and community safety, said: “This case demonstrates the devastating impact rogue traders can have on residents, particularly older and potentially vulnerable people. The homeowner paid a substantial amount of money and was left with roofing work that was not only poor quality but potentially dangerous.
“Hertfordshire Trading Standards will continue to investigate and prosecute those who exploit consumers for financial gain. I would encourage residents to take precautions when choosing traders and to report any concerns so that action can be taken to protect others.”