A travelling conman who completed unlicensed roof restorations has been ordered to pay fines and costs of $28,595 by Parramatta Local Court.
Alexander Charles Hendry, of no fixed address, was found guilty of unlicensed residential building work dating back to 2011.
Hendry’s first victim was an 82 year old man in Bangor who phoned a mobile number seen on a sign attached to a pole offering roof painting.
The 34 year old unlicensed man claiming to be from “Roof Restorations” completed the work, but it was of poor quality and in different shades.
The homeowner then had to pay tradespeople to fix the work and replace broken roof tiles.
Hendry’s subsequent victims were a Cranebrook couple who made contact after seeing a sign on a pole. The woman and man were looking to have roofing work done in preparation for selling their home. The couple contacted “Alex” who spoke with a distinctive English accent. He claimed to be from “Total Roof Restorations” and completed the roof work.
It was only after the couple saw a television segment on travelling conmen, the pair realised who had been hired.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe welcomed the prosecution of Alexander Hendry.
“These fines and costs send a clear message to all unlicensed tradespeople, including conmen: you will be caught and you will face the full force of the law,” Mr Stowe said.
“Travelling conmen ply their trade across Australia during our warmer months and anyone with information should call the Travelling Conmen Hotline on 1300 133 408.
“I urge everyone looking to hire a tradesperson to check if they are licensed. All people have to do is check on the Fair Trading website: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
“Research recently released by Fair Trading found only 10 per cent of homeowners surveyed used the website to check if a tradesperson was licensed.
“Be warned, unlicensed tradespeople are out to make quick money, perform substandard work – if at all – and there is little chance of getting your money back,” Mr Stowe said.