(Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
A fraudster who ran roofing and property maintenance firms for a fraudulent purpose has been sent to prison after cheating five homeowners out of around £40,000.
Richard Murnane, 42, was handed a 32-month prison sentence at Swansea Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of fraud, in a case brought by Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards following a lengthy and complex investigation.
The businesses
Murnane knowingly ran a firm called RM Property and Maintenance for a fraudulent purpose across Neath Port Talbot, operating it between 13 July 2021 and 1 June 2023.
He was also behind a second company, S & R Roofing, which he used for similar fraudulent activity over a shorter period between 7 December 2022 and 1 April 2023.
The victims
Five people were caught out by his offending, losing roughly £40,000 between them as a result of substandard workmanship carried out at their properties. Many of those affected were elderly.
Sentencing
For the offences connected to RM Property and Maintenance, Murnane received 32 months in custody. He was handed a further 13 months for the S & R Roofing offences, with the two sentences ordered to run concurrently – bringing his total to 32 months’ imprisonment.
Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips – whose portfolio includes Trading Standards – welcomed the outcome.
“This case demonstrates the serious impact rogue traders and fraudulent businesses have on residents, particularly older and more vulnerable members of our communities.
“The victims in this case suffered significant financial losses and considerable distress after placing their trust in someone who deliberately set out to deceive them.
“I welcome the outcome at Swansea Crown Court and commend the dedication and professionalism of Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards officers, whose lengthy and complex investigation brought Richard Murnane to justice.”
Neath Port Talbot Council is urging residents to take extra care when hiring tradespeople and to report anything suspicious to Trading Standards.
