A local builder was found guilty at Belfast Magistrates' Court of taking money for materials, which he never produced, and for work, which he never completed.

James Gordon, a builder from Killyleagh, Co Down, also pleaded guilty to a failure to complete work to the professional standards, which could reasonably expected of a builder.

In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Mr Gordon was found guilty in respect of charges under the Fraud Act 2006, the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

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The charges related to complaints received by the Trading Standards Service about work, which Mr Gordon had done, or had promised to do, for a number of different clients. In one case he obtained £3,700 from the householder to buy wood and steel for a loft conversion but the materials were never purchased. In a similar case, Mr Gordon received £3,050 for building materials, which he never actually purchased. In neither case did the client get their money back.

In another case, brought under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Mr Gordon was found to have conducted his business in an unprofessional manner in that he failed to complete a loft conversion to the price, standard and timescale agreed with the client. For example, he quoted July 2011 as a completion date for the loft conversion yet the job was still incomplete when he last called to the property in June 2012.

Sentencing was adjourned until a later date.

(CD/MH)