The Director of Sibley’s Solutions Ltd in Ammanford has been given a suspended prison sentence following an investigation by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards team.
James Sibley pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 at Swansea Crown Court for five separate instances where he agreed to carry out building/landscaping work, for which he received a total of £34,290.77 from his victims.
Where work was carried out it was of very poor quality and in some cases very little or no work was carried out despite the victims paying for these services.
The Court sentenced Sibley to:
- 16 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months
- 100 hours un-paid work
- £12,000 compensation to be distributed between the five victims.
- Disqualified from being a Company Director for 4 years
Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards said: “James Sibley falsely claimed to be a professional tradesman and I’m pleased that our Trading Standards team have achieved a positive result for his victims”.
“When hiring someone to do work in your home always be vigilant, do research before entering into any agreement and to be cautious when paying money upfront.
“I would encourage anyone looking for a tradesperson to do work in their home to use The Buy With Confidence scheme to find a Trading Standards approved trader. All businesses listed with Buy With Confidence have passed a number of checks so you can be reassured that you are appointing a trustworthy business to carry out the work”.
When choosing a trader to do work on your home follow these tips:
- Obtain at least three quotes to compare prices
- Don’t pay in full until the work is completed and you are happy with the standard of finish
- Obtain the details of the work in writing
- Check with the Council if you are unsure whether the work will need planning permission/building regulations
- Take your time. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision
- If you agree to a contract in your home you may be entitled to a 14 day cooling off period
Visit the Council’s website to view Trading Standards approved traders
https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/trading-standards/buy-with-confidence
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