Crowborough roofer jailed after conning homeowners

A rogue roofing boss operating from Crowborough has been sentenced to 61 months (five years and one month) in prison at Lewes Crown Court.

Anthony O'Driscoll, 44, traded as TNR Roofing from Eridge Road in Crowborough and pleaded guilty to four offences after scamming homeowners across East Sussex and Kent out of thousands of pounds for unnecessary, overpriced, and poor-quality work. 

Case Details

• The Offender: Anthony O'Driscoll, 44, residing at Hever Road in Edenbridge.
• The Scheme: Operating via TNR Roofing, O'Driscoll carried out highly inflated, substandard, and completely fabricated repair work.
• The Victims:
  • Two Eastbourne homeowners, who were charged £8,000 and £43,000.
  • A Crowborough resident, who was charged £24,500 for highly substandard work.
  • A Tunbridge Wells resident, who was charged £13,000 for vastly overpriced tasks. 

Legal Breach and Sentencing

• Prior Record: O'Driscoll's fraudulent actions breached an active Criminal Behaviour Order.
• Prior Conviction: The original order was imposed following a 2021 conviction linked to a rogue roofing network in South London.
• Judicial Remarks: Judge Mooney noted that the previous order had no effect on O'Driscoll, describing his conduct as demonstrating "fundamental greed and callous disregard".
• Asset Recovery: An investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act has been launched by East Sussex County Council to recover criminal assets via a future confiscation hearing. 

Official Consumer Protection Advice

Following the investigation by East Sussex Trading Standards, Enforcement Manager Paul Davison recommended that homeowners take specific precautions to avoid doorstep scams: 

1. Never agree to cold-callers: Avoid hiring or agreeing to contracts with any traders who show up unannounced on your doorstep.
2. Seek recommendations: Hire operators vetted by family or friends, or find pre-approved businesses on the Buy With Confidence website.
3. Gather multiple quotes: Take time to review options and secure multiple comprehensive, written quotes before starting any work.
4. Report suspicious activity: Contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline at 0808 223 1133 or 03454 040506 if you suspect rogue trading.