Rogue trader jailed after conning pensioners out of tens of thousands of pounds

The 39-year-old, who was the sole company director of JR Roofing and Driveway Specialists Limited, carried out poor and unnecessary work disguised as genuine repairs before demanding payment.

He targeted victims aged between 69 and 74, Lancashire County Council said.

One victim was misled with false claims about dangerous defects, while another faced escalating demands for extra jobs and payments only to be left with a leaking roof.

"Residents were left worse off than before Molloy began the work – and faced further repair bills," the local authority said.

The council's Trading Standards team investigated Molloy following customer complaints.

They found his work "showed a clear lack of skill and knowledge" and there were no structural defects with the properties.

One woman had paid £17,450 only for the work to be deemed "unnecessary and worthless".

Meanwhile, another person's repairs were valued at just £450, despite him having paid 10 times the amount.

Molloy, of Birtwistle Avenue in Colne, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Alongside being jailed for 12 months, he was handed a five-year Company Director Disqualification Order at Preston Crown Court on January 5 and a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order, prohibiting him from conducting or canvassing home improvements work.

Speaking after the sentencing, Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities at Lancashire County Council, said: "Rogue traders cause huge mental anguish to their victims and families, and we’re pleased that justice has been served.

"Molloy preyed on older, vulnerable residents and thought he could get away with it – but thanks to the efforts of Lancashire Trading Standards, he’s now behind bars.

"This prosecution sends a clear signal that we won’t tolerate rogue traders and scammers in Lancashire, and we’ll do everything we can to stop them.”