A rogue builder swindled his customers out of nearly £150,000 by accepting deposits but failing to complete any work. His actions led one customer to contemplate suicide and left others in financial distress while he indulged in foreign holidays and golf trips. Paul Atkinson, 45, pocketed the funds sent to him by clients who hired him to construct extensions and orangeries at their homes.
However, once the funds were transferred, he became elusive, ignored refund requests, and subtly threatened customers who posted negative reviews. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard Atkinson operated under the company names Protecta Home Improvements and Protecta Design and Build Ltd, later using the name MET Construction Ltd. His website falsely claimed the company had offices in Bridgend, Cardiff, Swansea, and Bristol.
READ MORE: Thousands of us are waiting for affordable homes. These skyscrapers have none Images on the site purportedly showcasing the defendant's work were also fabricated. Prosecutor David Elias KC stated that Atkinson initially appeared "open, professional, and knowledgeable about what he was going to do" when meeting his customers and communication would be "prompt".
However, after deposits were transferred, the defendant rarely responded to messages and made excuses for work delays, reports Wales Online . One of Atkinson's incomplete projects (Image: Bridgend County Borough Council) The work that was completed was of poor quality, and in many instances, .