Conman builder jailed after scamming elderly Northwich customers

Adam Routledge, of Stenhills Crescent in Runcorn, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to an offence of fraud committed in Manchester.

The 36-year-old also had two similar offences of fraud committed in Cheshire taken into consideration before being handed a prison sentence.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards team joined forces with Halton Trading Standards to investigate complaints about the defendant from vulnerable residents in Northwich and Runcorn.

They later joined up with Manchester Trading Standards colleagues who were already taking a case against him for similar offences.

The offences concerned the operation of his business, the Gutter Company, which was set up in May 2018.

He relied on posting leaflets and knocking on doors to generate business from residential customers.

On his leaflets, he offered gutter cleaning and replacement services with a 10 per cent discount for OAPs.

Manchester Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

In respect of the Manchester offence, Routledge fraudulently told his elderly victim that work undertaken by him had been signed off as compliant with building regulations.

Meanwhile, in the Cheshire offences taken into consideration, he fraudulently told one elderly victim that he required £1,000 to pay for scaffolding for work he was doing on their house which never arrived.

For the other victim, Routledge fraudulently told her she needed to have her kitchen demolished and rebuilt at a cost of £20,000.

In summing up, judge Anthony Cross said that the Routledge had purposely targeted elderly people for his fraudulent practices, causing distress to his victims and their families.

He said that victim impact statements for the case were distressing and that the defendant affected their lives in a way that can never be mended.

Victims had been frightened, he continued, and as a result, they are now extremely vulnerable.

“There is a mark of shame on your character. You were leaving your home and going to the wealthiest suburbs to practice this fraud,” he said.

He was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

Routledge previously avoided jail at Warrington Magistrates' Court earlier this month after being charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Warrington Magistrates' Court (Image: PA)

He threw a six-week-old kitten across a room because he was annoyed it had fleas. He was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The cat was taken to a vet and given medication, but has since made a full recovery, and Routledge was handed a suspended sentence.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, welcomed the fraud sentencing.

She said: “This is a good example of joined up working between local authorities.

“This type of fraudulent activity will not be tolerated, especially when targeted at the elderly.

“Trading Standards officers work hard to protect residents from unscrupulous individuals willing to scam vulnerable elderly people into handing over large sums of money.

“The defendant’s actions have caused considerable distress. I hope the outcome of this case sends a clear message to anyone considering criminal business activities, as Trading Standards will find you and bring you to justice.”

If you think you have been the victim of a fraudulent tradesperson, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.