Father and son admit scamming pensioners in driveway fraud

Yesterday (Tuesday) at Lincoln Crown Court, Anthony Newbury, 52 from East Barkwith, pleaded guilty to eight accounts of fraud and one account of an infringing a registered trademark.

His son, Jack Newbury, 27 from Alford, pleaded guilty to one account of fraud and one account of an infringing a registered trademark.

After a number of complaints from members of the public and a two year investigation by Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police, the case was brought against the pair earlier this year.

Sally Gray, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Trading as ‘Lincolnshire Servicing’ and ‘Drives for You’, the Newbury’s preyed on elderly residents of Lincolnshire, persuading them to pay for new driveways by showing them glossy leaflets with photographs of stone bonded resin driveways.

“Customers believed they were getting a driveway which would be gravel set in a resin base, when actually all they received for their money was a layer of tar and stone chippings.

“The leaflets also used the registered trademark ‘Stone bond’ which was used without the consent of the trade mark proprietor.

“Once the work had started, the prices would increase. One victim was quoted a price of £550 prior to the work being started - once completed the amount of £2,200 was demanded with the victim being told that the £550 was per square metre.

“One person was even driven to the bank by the Newbury’s to withdraw money for substandard work that had been carried out on their drive.

“Substantial amounts of money were paid out to the duo by their victims for very poor work.” One of their completed driveways actually washed away only a few weeks after being laid, when there was a torrential down pour one night.”

The pair will be sentenced on 1 December 2015.

Kirsty Toyne, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, adds: “Tracking down and catching these rogue traders is an absolute priority for Lincolnshire County Council’s Trading Standards.

Working with our partners, including Lincolnshire Police, we are committed to working together to tackle this issue and will take appropriate enforcement action against those involved.”

To avoid being conned by rogue traders, Lincolnshire Trading Standards recommends:

*Get at least three written quotes to compare.

*Use reputable companies that have been recommended by friends or family, are part of an approved trader scheme, or where you’ve seen examples of their work first-hand.

*Keep in control and don’t feel pressured. If in doubt, just say “no”.

If you suspect a rogue doorstep trader in your neighbourhood, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or call the Police on 101. In an emergency situation, always call 999.”