Coalisland trader handed suspended jail sentence

A Coalisland cold calling trader has been given a four month suspended prison sentence.

Adam James Maguire, 19, traded as Spray Tech Home Improvements and also as Direct Roofing Service.

He pleaded guilty at Newry Magistrates’ Court to eight charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and one charge under the Fraud Act 2006.

The four month sentence was suspended for two years.

A compensation order totaling £2,000 was awarded to the two victims.

The case was brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department for the Economy,

In May 2015, Trading Standards Officers visited a vulnerable and disabled lady who was “cold called” to her home by Maguire.

He undertook to power wash and seal her driveway, power wash her roof, paint windows, doors and exterior walls, replace fascia boards and do gardening work.

She paid him £4,600.

Another complainant, who was a pensioner, was also “cold called” by Maguire. He was to improve the complainant’s driveway but the driveway was power washed and ruined.  Maguire tried to extract £200 from the complainant who had initially refused to pay him.

Alison Gilchrist of the Trading Standards Service said: “Consumers should never take the word of a cold caller that work needs carried out to their property. They should also be wary of responding to home improvement leaflets posted through their doors. There are instances where leaflets provide a front for these individuals, therefore consumers are advised to be cautious. Trading Standards Service recommend that consumers should decline dealing with persons engaged in home improvements who cold call to their home.”

Anyone who believes they have a similar complaint or want help and advice on cold calling should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or at www.nidirect.gov.uk/consumerline