Computer repair con man guilty of deceiving Devon residents
A conman has been handed a one year jail sentence suspended for two years after being found guilty of unfair trading and fraud offences following an investigation by Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service.
Exeter Magistrates Court heard how Henry Smith, 36, cheated three Devon residents, two of which were elderly, out of nearly £1,300 between 2012 and 2013 by fraudulently making false representations for computer repair work that he claimed to have carried out. The case concluded with guilty verdicts on all eight charges following a two day trial.
Trading under the name ‘Computer Fix’, Smith advertised his business in local newspapers. The magistrates were informed that he used using the Christian fish symbol in his advertising to gain the trust of his victims before defrauding them out of cash. The advert also offered ‘OAP discount’ and claimed a ‘no fix no fee’ ploy, both of which were never honoured.
During the investigation one of the laptops allegedly ‘repaired’ and ‘upgraded’ by Smith was forensically inspected by an expert and found to have the original factory components inside. The report concluded that none of the parts itemised on the invoice provided by Smith had been fitted, despite charging the elderly victim £450, which was more than the value of the laptop.
Guilty verdicts to ‘aggressive practices’ were also given to Smith after the court heard how he intimidated one elderly victim by insisting on being paid in cash and then following her to the building society to withdraw money. In another incident Smith withheld his victim’s computer after she declined his services until he was paid petrol money to return it.
In all three incidents, Smith was found guilty of fraud offences for not providing a cancellation notice to each of his victims. During proceedings, the court also heard how Smith was convicted by North Somerset Magistrates Court in 2012 for similar offences, including aggressive practices, and had received advice from Trading Standards.
Describing his business practices in these matters as “aggressive” the magistrates sentenced Smith of Honeyhurst Lane, Rodney Stoke, Somerset, to a suspended jail term, telling him that he “deliberately targeted vulnerable victims” and that he “showed no remorse” for his actions.
The magistrates also ordered him to complete 250 hours unpaid work and pay a total of £550 compensation to his victims.
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said: “This is an appalling case of vulnerable victims being targeted and aggressively defrauded. Thankfully this sort of thing is rare, but Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service will continue to take enforcement action against dishonest tradesmen in order to protect local residents, particularly the most vulnerable, from unfair trading practices.
“This case highlights the importance of using recognised, suitably qualified and accredited tradesmen. Anyone looking for a Trading Standards approved trader in Devon or Somerset should visit the ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.“
Consumers can get advice on a range of consumer issues by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506 and by logging on to the Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service website at www.devon.gov.uk/tradingstandards
