Daniel Pucill, 34, of California Close, Warrington was fined over £10,000 at court on 12 January 2024.

In January 2020, Pucill, who traded as Manor Joinery & Construction, took £1,225 from a consumer in Burtonwood as deposit for new windows and a door at their home. Pucill failed to deliver and install the new door and windows. When challenged about the delays he made several excuses including the ‘door had been made in the wrong colour’ and the ‘supplier had delivered the wrong ones’, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite several promises, the new windows and door were never supplied. The consumer requested his money back but again, despite several promises, a refund was never made. In the end the consumer reported Pucill to trading standards in June 2022.

Following investigations conducted by Warrington Trading Standards, Pucill was summonsed to appear before Warrington Magistrates Court on 12 April 2023 but failed to attend. He failed to attend numerous court dates and following two arrest warrants issued by the Court, he pleaded guilty on 12 January 2024, to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The Magistrates heard of Pucill’s repeated failures to provide the windows and door and how he ignored the requests for a refund of the money paid.

The Magistrates described Mr Pucill’s actions as ‘despicable’. They fined him £2,000 and  awarded the consumer compensation of £1,500. In addition, they awarded full costs to the local authority of £6,645. The high costs were due to the numerous wasted court dates due to Pucill’s lack of engagement. 

The council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, Cllr Hitesh Patel said: “This type of criminal behaviour is not tolerated, and we will always strive to take the strongest possible action against tradespeople who operate dishonestly to the consumer.

For advice or to report a trader, visit the Citizen’s Advice website, you can also phone the helpline number on 0808 223 1133 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or use the web chat. An online complaint form is available at the weekends.