BUILDER JAILED FOR FRAUD LEAVES COUPLE £30,000 OUT OF POCKET

A couple in Buckley, Flintshire, lost more than £30,000 to a builder who abandoned their home extension project, leaving water to pour into their property. Christian Williams, who traded as Chris Williams Construction, is currently serving a two-year prison sentence after admitting theft and three counts of fraud by false representation involving four families. At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Mold Crown Court earlier this month, the court found Williams had benefitted £163,051.70 from his offending, though his available assets amounted to just £1.

Shelley Sawkins and her husband Barry commissioned Williams to extend their bungalow in 2023 on an initial quote of £21,000. The project stalled shortly after beginning, and when Sawkins contacted the builder, she discovered he was on holiday in Lanzarote using money she had paid him. Williams subsequently posted photographs on Facebook showing holidays and days at the races whilst his clients were left with an unfinished extension. The couple spent £50,000 in total addressing the damage: approximately £30,000 went to Williams and £20,000 to other builders hired to rectify his work.

The defects proved extensive and persistent. A wall wobbled when pushed, and after roof work began, rainwater flooded into the home during wet weather. Sawkins, who was caring for her husband during this period, reported collecting water in buckets throughout nights. Major problems remain, including uneven flooring, and the couple now wish to leave their home for sheltered accommodation.