Trading standards officers started investigating Donovan Morley-Clough, also known as Donovan Morley, after receiving a complaint from an East Ayton resident.
The complainant had paid him £1,000 as a deposit for repointing and ridge tile work and to book and pay for scaffolding, North Yorkshire Council said.
But, despite telling her that work would begin a week later, Morley-Clough, who traded as DNIJ Home Improvements, never did any of the work and failed to book scaffolding.
When the customer tried to contact him to secure a refund, he blocked her on Facebook and failed to answer any messages
Morley-Clough, 34, formerly of North Marine Drive, Scarborough, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on January 31 after pleading guilty to two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
An investigation by North Yorkshire Council’s trading standards team revealed that a second customer in Holme on Spalding Moor, East Riding, paid Morley-Clough £1,100 as a deposit for materials for soffit and guttering work.
But, again, Morley-Clough failed to do any work or supply materials.
He ignored the customer’s requests for a refund, although he eventually repaid her £550 in three monthly instalments after she contacted his girlfriend, the council said.
Magistrates were told Morley-Clough is now unemployed and receiving Universal Credit.
They said Morley-Clough must pay compensation of £1,000 and £550 respectively as well as a fine and costs totalling £950.
Actions caused ‘great deal of worry’, says trading standards boss
After the hearing, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for trading standards, Cllr Greg White, said: “Morley-Clough’s actions caused a great deal of worry to these householders.
“He left them out of pocket and having to set additional money aside for reputable tradesmen to do the work he had been paid to do.
North Yorkshire Council urges anyone looking for a tradesperson to take recommendations from friends or family and source at least three quotes beforehand.
A spokesperson said residents can report rogue traders or get advice from the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
