A dodgy builder who scammed a victim out of more than £20,000 has been pictured. Luke Wilson was described by a judge as an ‘arrogant and deceitful bully.’
Wilson, also known as Sam Memetovic, had been hired to complete several jobs at a property in Leamington Spa. Warwick Crown Court heard the homeowner found Wilson on TrustATrader.
His victim had initially agreed to a price of just over £14,500 for plastering, wall removals and a bathroom upgrade. Within 20 days, Wilson had sent six further invoices, pushing the cost to over £20,000.
But an expert surveyor employed by Warwickshire County Council concluded the actual value of the jobs carried out by Wilson was just £3,240. He operated by adding new contract conditions at short notice and setting tight payment deadlines, Warwick Crown Court heard.
His Honour Judge Berlin described Wilson as an ‘arrogant and deceitful bully’ who had only shown remorse to avoid jail. He also said these were an appalling set of offences and a deliberate attempt to obtain money through fraud.
Warwick Crown Court heard that the victim had to borrow substantial sums to fix the problems caused by Wilson and that the 37-year-old had severely affected his mental wellbeing. Mitigating, Sarah Turner said Wilson found himself in over his head, producing contracts without training.
Wilson, of Lodge Crescent, Warwick, was sentenced to ten months in jail. He was also handed a three-month Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
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