Suspected Rogue Traders Cleared Of OAP Charges

Two suspected rogue traders – accused of pressurising an OAP into having expensive building work carried out to the roof of his suburban home – have been cleared of criminal charges.

Father and son contractor Maurice Cole, 46, and Sean Cole, 20, both of Pennyhill Park, Minley Road, Blackwater, Surrey were prosecuted by Croydon Council's trading standards team.

A Croydon Crown Court jury found them and MC & Sons Development Ltd not guilty of offences allegedly committed while working at the home of 90 year-old Royston Harvey in Caterham Drive, Coulsdon.

They were both originally charged that between May 29 and June 1, 2011 they were in breach of Unfair Trading Regulations in relation to the roof, gables and chimney at the address.

They were also both charged with fraud in that on May 31, 2011 failed to disclose information to make a gain for themselves, namely dihonestly failed to disclose to Mr. Harvey that he had the right to cancel the works contract at his address.