Wiltshire roofing rogue traders given suspended sentences
Homeowners left thousands of pounds out of pocket
A father and son from Seend have received suspended prison sentences for a series of fraudulent and substandard roofing services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Arthur Dolan Snr, 49, and Arthur Dolan Jnr, 28, were sentenced at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 27th March following an investigation by Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards team.
The duo were found guilty of misleading and poor-quality roofing work under the business name A & D Home Improvements Ltd.
The court handed both men six-month prison sentences, suspended for 15 months. Additionally, Dolan Jnr is required to complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days, and Dolan Snr must fulfil 20 days. Both are mandated to perform 200 hours of unpaid work and have been banned from acting as company directors for five years.
Cross-boundary enforcement efforts highlighted offences in neighbouring regions.
At one homeowner’s property, the defendants exaggerated the need for a full roof replacement, offering a quote that skyrocketed from £3,000 to £12,000. Experts later confirmed the work was unnecessary and poorly executed. Debris also remained despite claims of its removal.
A second homeowner paid £12,450 for a reroof but subsequently had to pay £17,000 to correct the inadequate work, and the roof required complete replacement.
Independent surveyors verified the work lacked skill and honesty and had left both properties in need of costly repairs.
Both Dolan Snr and Dolan Jnr have prior convictions for similar offences, with some new offences committed while Dolan Jnr was on bail.
Wiltshire Council plans to pursue Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 proceedings to recover funds gained through these offences and secure compensation for victims.
Councillor Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, stated, "This case demonstrates the serious and lasting harm rogue traders can inflict. The men knowingly carried out misleading and substandard work, leaving both households facing financial loss and emotional strain. Our Trading Standards team will continue to take proactive action against dishonest operators. We urge residents to choose reputable traders, seek multiple quotes, and avoid unexpected doorstep contracts."