By Georgia Banks
A crime gang that defrauded vulnerable and elderly residents out of £1.2 million through building work scams has been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.
The organized crime group operated across England, primarily targeting individuals in Greater Manchester and Stokesley. Prosecutor Jamie Hill KC highlighted the gang’s tactics, explaining how they convinced elderly victims to undertake unnecessary work on their homes, often failing to complete it or overcharging significantly.
The court learned of a particularly egregious case involving a 93-year-old man in Stokesley, who was scammed into paying £1,400 for building work, only to be asked for an additional £12,000. He was saved from writing the check when a neighbor intervened, revealing that no actual work had been done.
Victim impact statements emphasized the emotional toll on the victims and their families, with one son noting his father’s increasing anxiety following the scam.
During the hearings, Judge Howard Crowson condemned the defendants for preying on vulnerable individuals, driven by greed. He stated, “You all demonstrated an ability to identify vulnerable targets and exploited them with no concern for them.”
Sentencing Outcomes:
- Lawrence Newbury Jnr, 33, of Northwich, Cheshire: Sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to defraud and being part of an organized crime group.
- Stephen Cantello, 59, of Manchester: Received 17 months, suspended for two years, for conspiracy to launder.
- Aonghus O’Reilly, 49, with no fixed abode: Sentenced to three years for conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder.
- John Mealin, 39, of Hartlepool: Received five years and three months for conspiracy to defraud and unrelated offenses.
The investigation, named Operation Zagreb, involved extensive collaboration between North Yorkshire trading standards officers, councils, and police forces. North Yorkshire Council’s Cllr Greg White praised the team for their efforts, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes committed against vulnerable citizens.
A further six defendants are expected to be sentenced later this month.
