Builder Sentenced for Fraud After £31K Extension for Parkinson's Victim.

Gary Nelson, 48, a builder who charged a woman £31,190 for a poorly constructed, unfinished extension, has been sentenced. The work was meant to provide a wheelchair-accessible space for a man with Parkinson's disease and a chronic back condition but ended up causing significant financial strain on the family.

The extension, built at an Ingleby Barwick home in 2021, was riddled with defects and failed to meet building regulations, prompting a contravention notice.

The victim was forced to pay an additional £37,500 to rectify the damage caused by Nelson’s substandard work, ultimately leading to a court case and sentencing.

The Impact on the Victim

The victim, who had hired Nelson to build the extension, was devastated by the result. She had to work two more years than intended to cover the repair costs.

The judge remarked on the significant toll Nelson’s actions took on her life, highlighting that the costs of fixing the poorly executed work were far greater than the initial £31,190 payment.

Court Proceedings and Nelson’s Admission

In January, Nelson, of Redland Close, Stockton, admitted to charges of fraud and unfair trading. The court learned that work began late in 2021, but significant problems surfaced, including delays, unfinished work, and issues with elements like flooring, tiles, and dampness. Nelson even threatened to walk off the job unless paid £5,000 upfront.

Some of the 'shoddy work' by builder Gary Nelson on a home in Ingleby Barwick (Photo: Stockton Council)

Although Nelson claimed he acted fraudulently due to the pressures of the Covid pandemic and bad weather, his defense did not absolve him of the consequences.

The Sentencing

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Simon Batiste addressed the shoddy nature of Nelson's work, emphasizing that the builder failed to meet agreed schedules, and the quality was subpar.

The judge also noted that Nelson did not comply with building regulations, which forced building control to intervene.

Despite Nelson’s acknowledgment of the poor work, the judge opted for a suspended two-year prison sentence, citing rehabilitation prospects and the impact imprisonment would have on his employees.

Instead of prison, Nelson received a suspended sentence, coupled with 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation.

Compensation and Financial Orders

As part of the ruling, Nelson was ordered to pay £31,190 in compensation to the victim and cover £9,063 in legal costs. Judge Batiste expressed his desire to ensure the victim received compensation, noting that the situation had become “an expensive failure” for Nelson.

Continued Business Despite Legal Issues

Nelson's defense highlighted that he was still running a profitable business and was involved in two large-scale projects. The court heard that his firm was financially stable, and compensation could be paid, though the judge stressed the importance of balancing the punishment with the firm’s survival.

Council’s Response to the Case

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton Council’s cabinet member for community safety, welcomed the sentence. She stated that it should serve as a warning to others in the construction industry who engage in fraudulent practices.

Stephenson emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting residents and stated, “We will always work hard to address people who flout the law in order to protect our residents.”

Anyone with concerns about fraudulent trading can contact the Stockton Trading Standards team for help at 01642 526560 or by email at trading.standards@stockton.gov.uk.

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