Doorstep trader sentenced for sub-standard work

A DOORSTEP trader who carried out sub-standard roof and driveway improvements to people in the Retford area has appeared in court.

Jarvis Jenkins of Sandhill Road, Newark was give a 10 month suspended sentence and 180 hours of community service at Nottingham Crown Court this week.

The 41-year-old admitted eight charges under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for offences dating from July 2010 to January 2012.

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Jenkins has also received a curfew order prohibiting him from leaving his home on Fridays between 9am to 6pm for 12 weeks.

Notts County Council’s Trading Standards investigated the case which involved seven victims in the Retford area.

Jenkins cold-called households and used aggressive sale techniques to seek work which was mainly garage roofing and driveway works, according to Trading Standards.

Much of the work he carried out was of poor quality and he refused to rectify problems when contacted by his customers.

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He failed to allow customers the right to cancel their order within seven calendar days after agreeing the work to be carried out which they were entitled to.

Customers were also aggressively pressured into making cash payments before the work was completed.

Elizabeth Powell from Hayton, near Retford, was one of the victims.

She said: “He seemed so trustworthy as he was softly spoken, had an official looking leaflet and I had seen boards around my village with his company’s name on.”

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“He initially quoted me £3,000 for widening my driveway and laying a sealant to stop weeds for ten years but I ended up paying out £4,600 for a shoddy, unfinished job.”

“The drive was not laid on proper foundations so was left unsafe and I have had to pay another £2,000 to rectify his work.”

“I feel foolish that I allowed him to take advantage of me and I would never buy anything from a doorstep salesman again.”

The council’s Trading Standards has launched a Proceeds of Crime investigation with a view to recovering any profits Jenkins has made from his activities to compensate his victims.

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Councillor Mick Murphy, chairman of Notts County Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “Many people have been left out of pocket because of Jenkins’ shoddy workmanship so it is good news he has been punished for his activities.”

“He targeted vulnerable people to seek work and used scare tactics to secure payment, often charging more than was originally agreed.”

“We advise consumers not to be pressured by doorstep salespeople and not to be frightened to say no – if the deal they are offering is too good to be true then that is probably is.”

To report a problem with trader contact the Citizen’s Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

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The council’s Buy with Confidence directory has local 370 traders which have been vetted and approved by local Trading Standards officers. For more information visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or phone Citizen’s Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

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