Cowboy roofers conned elderly people in Northamptonshire out of thousands by carrying out unnecessary work

The four men – John Lee, Charles Michael Hugh Doherty, Michael Rooksby and Charles Doherty – cold-called at homes, claiming that work needed to be done to the house, in most cases roofing repairs. Often the work was unnecessary or the price would be over-inflated.

Northamptonshire County Council Trading Standards identified 26 victims across Northamptonshire, surrounding counties and as far as Norfolk who were tricked out of a total of £138,000. One victim was conned out of more than £30,000. The investigation was supported by Northamptonshire Police.

At a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on Monday (October 9), John Lee, Michael Rooksby and Charles Michael Hugh Doherty pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading, while Charles Doherty admitted two counts of fraud.

The court heard how the men would operate under various business names including Storm Shield, Roofing Solutions, Alpine General Builders and 1st Choice Property Maintenance, and dishonestly and falsely represented that they were legitimate contractors with the appropriate skills to carry out the work.

County council cabinet member for public protection, strategic infrastructure and economic growth Councillor André Gonzalez de Savage said: “These rogue traders would deliberately target the homes of elderly and vulnerable people with the primary aim of defrauding them by tricking them into paying for unnecessary, poor quality and overpriced home repairs.

“Our advice to homeowners is never to pay for goods or services from a doorstep trader. If you do need work carrying out, Our Buy With Confidence scheme will help you to find a reputable tradesman who has been approved by Trading Standards. Further information can be found at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/approvedtraders.”

The men are due to be sentenced on Monday, October 30.

Editor’s note: We have been asked to make it clear that Lee Rooksby is not connected to this case in any way.