Rogue Builder Jailed For Defrauding Isle Of Wight Residents

A builder who defrauded Island homeowners out of around £20,000 has been jailed for three years and nine months following a successful prosecution by Isle of Wight Council.

Richard Sullivan, 50, of Sandown, posed as a reputable tradesman offering roofing and general building work.

He was sentenced at Isle of Wight Crown Court on Wednesday (29 October) after being found guilty under the Fraud Act 2006.

The court heard that Sullivan repeatedly failed to provide the legally required 14-day cancellation notice for door-to-door contracts, leaving customers without protection.

Over several months, he targeted homeowners with unsolicited offers for guttering and building work, often leaving handwritten notes thanking residents for “enquiries” that had never been made.

Once contacted, he would take large deposits or full payments, then either fail to start the work or leave it incomplete.

One victim handed over £2,960 for a garden wall that was never built. Many residents lost thousands, while Sullivan used the money to pay personal debts rather than fund the work.

Recorder James Bromige said Sullivan’s actions caused harm beyond financial loss, including property damage and emotional distress, and noted the scam mirrored previous offences in 2016.

He described it as a “get-rich-quick scheme” that left many residents with incomplete or poor-quality work.

James Potter, the council’s Trading Standards and community safety manager, welcomed the sentence and urged residents to remain vigilant.

He said:

“Richard Sullivan caused significant financial detriment to local residents.

"Hopefully this result will serve as a deterrent and shows what we do to protect our community and support honest businesses.”

He also praised the teamwork behind the case, highlighting the work of Trading Standards and Legal Services in bringing the case to court.

Advice for homeowners:

• Always ask for written contracts and check cancellation rights.

• Avoid paying large deposits before work begins.

• Use recommended or accredited traders whenever possible.

• Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted by a rogue trader can contact Trading Standards.