Grant Phillips of Brantham admits to fraudulent trading

Grant Phillips, 44, of Bailey Gardens in Brantham, pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading contrary to Section 9 of the Fraud Act 2006 at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Monday. 

It follows complaints made by customers to Citizens Advice after a number of victims, some of whom elderly, had commissioned home improvement projects including bathroom facilities.

Phillips used three different names to trade under (Image: Newsquest)

Phillips took a total of £23,511 from eleven customers between April 2021 and October 2023 under three different names.

During that period, Phillips used company names such as Superdry Plumbing & Drainage, Rhino Plumb and Plumb Fix.

Victims said payments were made to Phillips, formerly of Bath Road, in Felixstowe, and the work was not completed or were substandard. 

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He also took money for materials which were not provided, were not as ordered or were not suitable.

The losses ranged from £200 to more than £4,000.

According to Suffolk Trading Standards, some were not able to afford to complete the project or have the work re-done for a lengthy period.

One elderly victim found it difficult to trust another trader in her property after working with Phillips.

Graham Crisp, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: “This was a complex case with some vulnerable victims who have suffered financial loss and have been caused personal stress because of Phillips’ actions.

"These people trusted Phillips and they were let down by him either keeping the money and not doing the work, or by carrying it out poorly.

“It is to their credit that they came forward and reported him so that we were able to take action, which we will do against any individual or business that behaves in this way.”