A rogue trader operating in Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett has been punished under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

James William John Cole completing poor-quality gardening and building work at a property in Swindon and one in Royal Wootton Bassett and overcharged customers for this work. 

He was charged with 'being a trader who engaged in a commercial practice which, by omission, was misleading'.

This means he failed to provide the required information to his customers when carrying out the work between July and September 2023.

The 52-year-old from Castle View Road, Chiseldon pleaded guilty to the two offences at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 23.

This followed an investigation by Swindon Borough Council's Trading Standards team, supported by colleagues at Our Wiltshire after they received reports of the poor quality of his gardening and building works and that he was overcharging his customers.

Cole was fined £120 for each offence and ordered to pay a victim’s surcharge of £96, plus a contribution of £360 towards the prosecution costs.

Members of the public can report a rogue trader by using the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or via its website.