Last Updated: December 19, 2024
William Hanson (Image: South Wales Police)
A Cardiff builder who deceived vulnerable homeowners into paying for unnecessary work has been sentenced to over five years in prison.
William Hanson, 50, of Trowbridge Green, systematically overcharged elderly residents for building work, amassing £175,875 through fraudulent practices.
One 86-year-old victim was charged over £68,000 for a roof that only needed minor repairs. Another Cardiff resident paid £21,750 for unnecessary work and spent an additional £13,500 fixing subsequent issues.
“The feeling of being taken advantage of has not diminished. We had to borrow money and were told the work would be done in a matter of days. We now have trust issues. We started to doubt ourselves,” one victim told Cardiff Crown Court.
In a particularly shocking case, Hanson stole £35,000 from a 93-year-old woman who passed away in September 2023, by adding a zero to her £3,500 bill.
Her Honour Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke stated: “It is clear that your offending has had a serious and long-lasting impact on your victims. This case clearly crosses the threshold for an immediate custodial sentence.”
Hanson received a five-year and two-month prison sentence and a 10-year ban from carrying out any building, maintenance or gardening work across the UK.
