July 16th 2024.
Lawrence Martin, a 36-year-old man, has been sentenced to five years in jail for his fraudulent actions. He has been deemed as one of the worst cowboy builders in Britain, having scammed over 50 homeowners out of a staggering amount of nearly £650,000. However, in a recent confiscation hearing at Southampton Crown Court, Martin was ordered to pay back a mere £108.96, with his company being told to pay just £1. This small amount has been seen as a slap in the face by many of his victims, who have been left feeling taken advantage of and vulnerable.
Martin's fraudulent actions involved pressuring his clients into paying large deposits in order to begin work on their homes. But as the costs soared, he would claim that more work needed to be done, leaving his victims feeling helpless and out of pocket. Among his victims was a woman who was trying to help her dying father-in-law, and a couple who lost over £110,000. The impact of his fraud was devastating, with many victims left with damaged homes and empty bank accounts, and some even having to change their locks to prevent Martin from returning.
What's even more shocking is that Martin had no official roofing qualifications, yet he continued to demand more and more money from his clients. He even went as far as telling one customer that they had a better chance of winning the lottery than getting a refund. The work he did manage to complete was of such poor quality that many of his clients had to spend thousands of pounds to fix the damage he caused. This campaign of fraud lasted for a very long time, spanning over five years and leaving customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in tears.
During his sentencing, it was revealed that Martin's victims included a widow, people with disabilities, and the family of a terminally ill man. When confronted by unhappy customers, he would make excuses such as problems with suppliers, workers, and even his own mother's health. His actions not only caused financial loss but also had a significant impact on the mental health of his victims. Judge Peter Henry described Martin as a thorough menace, stating that his conduct caused serious harm to his customers.
Despite being ordered to pay back a small amount, Martin's victims are skeptical about receiving any money from him. They believe that once he is released from jail, he will continue his fraudulent activities. Mrs. Judith Kipling, one of his victims, expressed her disappointment, saying that it doesn't feel like justice has been served. She fears that Martin will continue to scam vulnerable individuals once he is out of jail. However, Martin has been barred from any kind of building or roofing work for the next 10 years, and he will only be allowed to practice as an electrician upon his release.
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