Cowboy builder causes GBP 12k damage to young couple's home
02 Jul 2010
A cowboy builder flew into a rage and caused thousands of pounds
worth of damage to a young couple's home because they refused to
pay him.
The unnamed couple contracted Alan Beardsmore, 46, to do GBP 800 of
work on their Blackpool property in summer 2009, the Daily Mail
reports.
However, he did not carry out the repairs to a standard they saw as
satisfactory and they said they would be contesting his bill.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Beardsmore returned to the property and went
on a spree of damage, ripping bricks from their walls and pouring
concrete down drains.
He also cut telephone wires and ruined the driveway to the house,
causing GBP 12,000 worth of damage.
The homeowners called the police and the builder was arrested. He
has now pleaded guilty to criminal damage and is to be sentenced in
court later this month.
PC John Gorst, who investigated the case, told the newspaper: "This
case should serve as a warning to others to check references before
commissioning any building work."
In cases like this, where a tradesperson causes damage to a
property or hurts someone, the affected party may be able to seek
compensation against their public liability insurance and should
seek the advice of a specialist housing lawyer.
It is important to check that the tradesperson has a relevant
insurance policy before they begin work.
People who rent properties are also protected from shoddy repairs,
as their landlord has a duty to keep the home in a satisfactory
state.
