Trading standards team secures ASBO against rogue builder

A builder in Warwickshire has become the first trader in the county to be issued with an anti-social behaviour order, following proceedings brought by a council’s trading standards team.

The ASBO granted by Judge Gregory at Coventry Crown Court prevents Paul David Henstone from:

  • Working in the building industry other than as an employee of a company which has been incorporated for at least five years;
  • Being involved in estimating, quoting, negotiating contracts or collecting payments from customers in connection with any building, home improvement or landscaping service (other than in connection with a contract solely for the sale of goods);
  • Using any name other than the one shown on his birth certificate for business purposes;
  • Taking consumers to any bank or other financial institution to withdraw money; and
  • Acting in such a manner as to cause, or be likely to cause, alarm, harassment or distress to any person in the course of his trade, business or profession.

The order encourages him to work to support his family, but prevents him from engaging in work that has caused problems in the past.

The hearing heard that Henstone, who was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs, had breached undertakings he had previously given to improve his business practices.

If he breaches the ASBO, he could face up to two years in prison.

The case against him was brought by the trading standards service at Warwickshire County Council.

Cllr Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Warwickshire Trading Standards will use all the powers they have available to them to take action against those traders who provide poor or in many cases non-existent work.

“We will continue to protect both Warwickshire consumers and genuine traders from the activities of rogues.”

Henstone had been prosecuted in 2007 by Solihull Trading Standards over shoddy building work. He gave a formal undertaking to Warwickshire Trading Standards that he would change his practices.

But the county council continued to receive complaints from consumers and it sought a court order against him in 2009.

He continues to be bound by this order, which amongst a range of requirements forbids him to fail to carry out work with reasonable care and skill and within a reasonable time.

The builder was also prosecuted last year by the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills for three fraud offences and for being involved in the management of a company whilst being an undischarged bankrupt.

Henstone received a 16-month jail sentence. He was released on licence after four months.