Rogue Builder Jailed After £190k Scam on Vulnerable Woman

A Cardiff builder has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after falsely claiming extensive work was needed on a woman’s bungalow in Rumney, taking thousands in cash for unnecessary repairs. 💰⚖️

Stephen Davies, 68, of Clovelly Crescent, Llanrumney, pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly making false representations after convincing his victim that her chimney stack needed removal and the roof replaced, falsely claiming the timber was damp and infested with wormwood.

The victim, who had purchased the bungalow following her parents’ death, initially hired Davies to fix a chimney, redecorate and repair internal doors, describing him as appearing “friendly and trustworthy” and paying him a £5,000 deposit.

After two months, she had paid a further £15,000 in cash, but work progressed slowly, preventing her from moving into her new home. The fraud came to light when her family intervened after overhearing Davies requesting an additional £10,000.

The victim described Davies as a “cruel man” who took advantage of her vulnerability.

At Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing revealed Davies had benefited by £190,279 from his criminal activities, though the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, ordered him to pay £31,368 – the total value of his available assets – plus £7,500 in court costs.