A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after stealing £187,000 from 22 customers in Stoke-on-Trent. Kevin Hayes claimed to be a kitchen and bathroom fitter and builder, but took payment without completing work and did not obtain supplies for the jobs he quoted for.
The city council's trading standards team found that Hayes visited properties and provided quotes while using false trademarks and company logos to appear legitimate. After customers paid him, he made excuses to avoid completing the work, citing reasons such as tools being stolen, his van breaking down, and family members being in hospital.
Escape and Extradition
In November 2022, Hayes absconded to Spain. He was finally caught and extradited back to the UK in December 2025.
Conviction and Restrictions
Hayes pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in fraudulent business and two counts of unauthorised use of a trademark. In addition to his custodial sentence, he was issued with a criminal anti-social behaviour order preventing him from trading as a builder for five years after his release 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."
Anyone with concerns about rogue traders can contact Trading Standards on 01782 238884 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards.
