In July 2021, Mr Durney, formerly of Great Sankey, agreed to build an extension at the home of a consumer in Newton-Le-Willows. 

The consumer paid Mr Durney over £38,000 for the building work, however progress on the work was slow and thousands of pounds worth of materials that had been paid for were never delivered.  

Attempts by the consumer to get Durney to finish the extension were ignored so eventually, after significant stress and inconvenience, the customer had to pay another builder £61,000 to finish the extension.

In the end the consumer reported Durney’s actions to trading standards in September 2022. Following investigations conducted by Warrington Trading Standards, the work was assessed by a building expert who found it was worth no more than £11,000.

Durney appeared before Warrington Magistrates Court on Wednesday 8 May, where he entered guilty pleas to four offences contrary to the Fraud Act 2006, and the matter was adjourned for sentencing.  

On Friday 7 June, the Magistrates sentenced Durney to 6 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £27,000 and costs of £3,108, payable in instalments of £1,000 a month. 

David Boyer, Director of Environment and Transport, said: “This case sends a clear message to rogue builders that this will not be tolerated, and we will investigate and take action through the courts.”

Warrington Trading Standards works in partnership with Citizens Advice consumer helpline who provide consumer advice and support for trading standards. 

For more information, visit the Citizens Advice website, complete the online complaint form or phone the helpline number, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 0808 223 1133.