Barnet rogue trader given ban after Redbridge building scams

Matthew Collins was served with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) earlier this month after people spent almost £70,000 on unfinished construction works. 

One man alone paid Collins £38,900 for works to be carried out to his home and garden, which were never completed. 

The order has banned Collins from working in any building, roofing, gardening, or landscaping professions for the next seven years.

People who fell victim to Collins's scams were based in Redbridge, South Woodford, Woodford Green and Wanstead.

Collins of Cat Hill, Barnet scammed people out of almost £70,000 (Image: Google Maps)Collins, of Cat Hill, Barnet, was sentenced to two separate two-year imprisonments at Snaresbrook Crown Court on June 1, 2023 - one for fraudulent trading, and the other for participating in a fraudulent business.

Both sentences were suspended for two years.

Collins has been disqualified from becoming a director for seven years, and is not allowed to have any part in forming contracts or handling clients' money in future employment. 

Steve Moore from Redbridge Council said: "We're pleased the court has put a stop to the possibility of Mr Collins targeting more people in Redbridge and leaving them out of pocket.

"Mr Collins should be ashamed of his unscrupulous behaviour, and he has finally got his comeuppance.

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"Collins ripped off our hardworking neighbours who dreamed of improving their homes, only to be left with a job half-done or not even started.

"The sentencing should serve as a warning to others who they think can earn money through dishonesty at the expense of others."

Redbridge Council's trading standards were alerted to him in 2017 and 2018, after receiving several complaints from disgruntled customers. 

Among the unfinished works Collins pocketed cash for were new patios, major house refurbishment and large landscape gardening projects.