COUNCIL bosses have praised the successful prosecution of a fraudulent builder.

The prosecution was brought against Derek Alan Bradshaw, 55, by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Trading Standards for three counts of fraudulent trading, one of which was committed whilst he was on bail awaiting trial for similar offences.

All offences saw him taking money upfront and not completing the work.

Rogue Darwen builder jailed after fleecing victims out of thousands of pounds

Speaking after the hearing, Cllr Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment, said: “To have committed these offences whilst already on bail shows his contempt both for the law and his victims.

“These fraudulent acts have had deep and devastating impacts on those innocent people he preyed on.

“I hope this prosecution goes someway to helping the victims know that he hasn’t got away lightly with what he has done.

“The advice is, never employ someone who just knocks on your door.”