Two cowboy builders from Ashford have been jailed for a combined 15 years and 9 months after defrauding twelve vulnerable victims of more than £1.3 million. Samuel O’Hanlon, aged 45, was sentenced to ten years, while his apprentice Jack Sargeant, aged 29, received five years and nine months at Inner London Crown Court.
Their criminal activities, which included fraud and money laundering amounting to over £2.4 million, took place over several years and involved three separate businesses. Their actions left numerous homes unfinished and caused significant disruption to the lives of victims across the UK.
Building Nightmare For Victims
O’Hanlon demanded large upfront payments for home improvement projects but then abandoned the work, leaving properties in poor condition and repeatedly asking for more money. One of the affected victims was 83-year-old Elizabeth Hennessey. Her late husband, Paul, never returned home after contractors failed to complete their kitchen extension, which was intended to accommodate his declining health.
The couple paid more than double the original £60,000 quote and were effectively locked out of their home for over a year due to the unfinished work.
Years Of Ignored Warnings
Despite warnings from Trading Standards in 2014 and 2015, O’Hanlon continued his fraudulent activities for years without being stopped. The scale of his offences affected victims in multiple counties, raising concerns about how quickly authorities acted to prevent these rogue traders from continuing their scams.
Police And Trading Standards Action
Kent Police worked closely with the victims and Trading Standards to successfully prosecute the offenders. Detective Chief Inspector Helen Smithers described the scams as sophisticated and warned that anyone could fall victim.
East Sussex County Council, which led the prosecution, assured the public that reports of rogue traders are taken seriously and that local authorities often collaborate beyond their own areas to protect consumers.
Impact On Victims
Elizabeth Hennessey said, “We wanted this work done because my husband had said loud and clear: I just want to stay in my house and garden. But he died, and he never got back here… He ruined the last two years of Dad’s life.”
The jail sentences represent a significant victory against rogue traders who exploit vulnerable homeowners across the UK.
Originally published by UKNIP.
