A roofer who repeatedly defrauded customers, leaving one victim more than £40,000 out of pocket, has been sentenced to three years in prison. Wesley Theobald, 33, from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, was investigated by Trading Standards after complaints from residents in Norwich, Dereham, and Ashill, near Watton.
Despite having previously served prison time for similar offenses, Theobald continued his fraudulent activities. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges of theft and dishonesty at Norwich Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday.
Sophie Leney, Head of Trading Standards at Norfolk County Council, commented, “Despite prior convictions and custodial sentences, Mr. Theobald continued taking money for work he never completed.”
Theobald, of Checker Street, also violated a Criminal Behaviour Order that had been imposed on him in 2022. His recent offenses involved failing to provide written contract details, neglecting to issue dated receipts, and failing to ensure customer payments were directed to a proper business account.
Additionally, Theobald pleaded guilty to fraud by failing to disclose his previous bankruptcy to customers and providing a false business address. He also admitted to three counts of theft, having taken payments for roofing work he never carried out.
One of his victims lost over £40,000 for roofing services that were never completed, according to Trading Standards.