A CONVICTED rogue builder has been ordered to pay back £90,000 of his illegal earnings.

John Carroll (26), of Cricklade, who is serving 38 months in prison for fraud, had conned a string of victims in the South West and Wales. ?He did this with John Rice (21), of Swansea, who served a 12-week sentence for money laundering.

On March 8, at a hearing at Exeter Crown Court, it was ruled that Carroll had benefitted by £200,000 from his activities and that £90,000 was still available.?This amount will now be confiscated and used to recompense his victims. He has three months to pay and will have a year added to his sentence if he defaults.

At an earlier hearing it was ruled that Rice had earned £28,950 by laundering Carroll’s illegal proceeds and he was ordered to repay what remained in his possession, £11,650, which will go to his victims.

In all more than £100,000 will be confiscated.?The court heard that Carroll would often give a quote, start work then ask for thousands more because of "extra problems".

All 21 of his victims, some of whom have now died, received work that was poor and overpriced.

Stephen Gardiner, Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service’s Interventions Manager, said: “The painstaking task of tracking down and realising a criminal’s assets can lead to compensation for their victims, and that is where the money confiscated will go. This case relied heavily on victims who were ready to come forward and assist us.”

If you are concerned that you are a victim of a rogue trader, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

Trading under a variety of names, the rogue builder and his colleague offered house maintenance, roofing, and driveway services across the South West and South Wales and targeted elderly and vulnerable people.

To find a reputable trader, look at Trading Standards Buy With Confidence directory: https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk of trusted and vetted businesses.