Rogue builder avoids jail term (From The Oxford Times)

Rogue builder avoids jail term

6:36pm Friday 15th May 2009 in Search

A FRAUDSTER exposed on the BBC’s Rogue Traders programme showed no real remorse, a judge heard.

Adam Bickford walked free from Oxford Crown Court yesterday after overcharging 72-year-old widower Leslie Evans by more than £4,000 for repairs to his Abingdon home.

Mr Evans saw Bickford, the 22-year-old former director of Botley-based building firm Abbaseal, on the BBC show just hours after paying him £7,167 in October 2007.

Adam Norris, prosecuting, said in 2007 several complaints were made, adding: “A common theme was that those who made complaints were elderly and somewhat vulnerable.”

Bickford, of West Way, Botley, admitted fraud by false representation.

Adam Feest, defending, said: “He has used his best efforts to pay the money back.”

Judge Christopher Compston gave Bickford a six month prison sentence, suspended for one year, and ordered him to pay £555 compensation and £400 costs as well as do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Bickford had paid £8,200 cash to Trading Standards to pass to his victim and two other people he had done work for, the court heard.

But Judge Compston said: “The report says there is no real indication of remorse.”