A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after stealing a total of £187,000 from 22 victims.
The city councils’ trading standards team found that Kevin Hayes claimed to be a kitchen and bathroom fitter, as well as a builder, but he took money from customers without doing the work and did not obtain supplies to carry out work that had been requested.
He visited properties and provided quotes, giving the impression he was knowledgeable and could undertake work by using false trademarks and other logos to support the idea he was a legitimate trader.
After receiving payment, Hayes made excuses that meant work was not completed, such as having tools stolen, his van breaking down and family members in hospital.
In November 2022, Hayes absconded to Spain, before finally being caught and extradited back to the UK in December 2025.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in fraudulent business and two counts of the unauthorised use of a trademark.
Aside from his custodial sentence, Hayes was issued with a criminal anti-social behaviour order, meaning he cannot trade as a builder for five years after he is released from prison.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I welcome this sentencing and thank our trading standards team for their hard work to bring this rogue trader to justice.
“He wreaked havoc over many lives, with many victims living with unfinished buildings and having life savings stolen. Taking action against these traders forms part of our wider work to tackle illegal businesses and ensure legitimate businesses in the city are not undermined. The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to steal and defraud innocent people.”
Anyone with concerns about rogue traders can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards
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