Double glazing businessman jailed over consumer offences against elderly

Andrew Bagshaw, 39, of no fixed address, who traded as Ecoways, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, West Yorkshire Trading Standards said.

The conviction was said to relate to offences such as failing to refund a deposit when a customer cancelled their contract and taking a deposit from another customer but failing to carry out any work.

According to trading standards officials, one 83-year-old victim from Leeds signed three contracts with Ecoways, including one for a porch canopy.

They were promised a double pitched design and charged £1,700, but instead given a leaking single-pitched porch canopy and the victim’s complaint was ignored.

An expert confirmed that the work was poor and had a market value of only £500 to £600, officials said.

David Lodge, Head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “This is another excellent result against rogue traders in our area.

“The case and the level of sentence imposed illustrates the seriousness with which the courts view traders who flout the laws designed to protect the public in general and the elderly and vulnerable in particular. I would advise consumers to be wary of grants or discounts offered by salesman as they may be a technique to elicit a quick sale.”

Anyone seeking advice on doorstep sales should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.