North Shropshire builder faces jail for fraud

A 32-year-old builder who ripped off customers in north Shropshire has been warned he could face prison after admitting eight fraud charges.

William Varey, 32, of Church Street, Ightfield, near Whitchurch, targeted people in Maple Close, Market Drayton, in October and November last year, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told yesterday.

The court heard Varey carried out work on older people's homes that was not needed and misled customers into paying excessive amounts for the work.

He cold-called many of his victims and also failed to honour customers' cancellation rights, the court heard.

At court yesterday, a total of 14 charges were put to Varey and he admitted eight. A further six charges, which he denied, were discontinued by the prosecution.

Sentencing was adjourned until a date to be fixed so that pre-sentence reports could be prepared.

But Recorder Denis Desmond warned Varey that all sentencing options were open to him, including custody.

The case against Varey was brought by Shropshire Council Trading Standards.

Officials said today Varey admitted five counts of fraud by false representation and three of engaging in a commercial practice which is a misleading omission contrary to the consumer protection from the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.