Rogue roofing traders sentenced to long terms of imprisonment

Following an investigation by Wokingham Trading Standards officers, supported by the Public Protection Partnership’s Case Management and Investigation Teams and National Trading Standards, Jordon Doe, Sebastain Harris-Mayer, Peter Hansell and Oliver Higgins have all been sentenced at Reading Crown Court for offences relating to Fraudulent Trading and Money Laundering.

Following a five-week trial, on 09 July 2026 a jury convicted Jordon Doe, 27, of Barnes Green, Horsham, of Fraudulent Trading and Money Laundering offences connected to the operation of a roofing business. The investigation was conducted by the Shared Trading Standards Service, with support provided by the National Trading Standards Tri-Region Regional Investigation Team.

The case involved a sustained course of offending that caused significant financial loss and distress to a number of homeowners across the South East of England. The defendants exploited the trust of members of the public for personal gain, using increasingly sophisticated methods to obtain money from victims.

It was established during the investigation that the group obtained thousands of pounds from homeowners in various locations across the South East of England. They, or others connected to them, then set up false companies, and using stolen identities impersonated Trading Standards/local authorities to attempt to procure further money.

At Reading Crown Court on 11 September 2026, Jordon Doe was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment for Fraudulent Trading. He also received concurrent sentences of two years’ imprisonment for each of four Money Laundering offences. The court further disqualified him from acting as a company director for 10 years. The court heard that proceeds derived from the offending were used to acquire a range of assets, including designer watches, high-performance vehicles and land on which a property was subsequently built. A timetable for confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 was also set by the court.

The following individuals, who had previously entered guilty pleas, were also sentenced: Sebastain Harris-Mayer, 44, of Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for Fraudulent Trading and received concurrent sentences of three years’ imprisonment for each of the Money Laundering offences. He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for eight years.

Peter Hansell, 61, of Grafton Road, Worthing, was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to being concerned in a Money Laundering arrangement connected to the fraudulent trading operation.

Oliver Higgins, 30, of Northumberland Close, Cambridge, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, following his guilty plea for Fraudulent Trading. He was additionally ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from acting as a company director for eight years.

A daughter, commenting on behalf of her late father, who had lived in the Brighton area, said: “My dad was a competent, driven and proud businessman throughout his working life, so when he was preyed upon and fooled by these people in his declining years, he was very upset by it. He died in May 2026 so didn't get to hear the outcome, but as his daughter, I'm really pleased that his earlier statements helped to secure these convictions - and I know he would be too.”

Councillor Lou Timlin, executive member for Community Safety and Public Protection at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “This case demonstrates the serious harm that fraudulent traders can cause to individuals, families and communities. The offenders deliberately targeted homeowners, exploiting trust and in some cases vulnerability, causing significant financial loss and considerable distress to their victims.

“I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the officers from the Public Protection Partnership Trading Standards Service and Investigation Team and National Trading Standards, whose work has led to these convictions and sentences. This has been a complex and lengthy investigation, and the outcome reflects the commitment of all those involved in bringing offenders to justice.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the victims and their families who supported the investigation, often while reliving difficult experiences. Their determination and cooperation have been instrumental in securing these convictions.

“We remain committed to protecting residents from fraud and rogue trading, and I would encourage anyone considering work on their property to take steps to check a trader’s credentials and, where possible, use trusted schemes such as Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence service.”

Lord Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “This was an elaborate and sophisticated fraud that saw Trading Standards officers impersonated in order to trick homeowners into handing over vast sums of money.

“Work that was carried out was overpriced, unnecessary, and in some cases, fell far below the standard required. Appallingly, after transferring tens of thousands of pounds, one victim was left with a crumbling roof that had not been completed in compliance with building standards. While in another case that saw one victim pay £140,000 for work that should cost £35,000, roof tiles were not properly fixed down, putting people walking below in danger.

“These sentences send a clear message that those who carry out unsafe work and make a business out of exploiting people in their own homes can expect to face justice. I hope today’s outcome serves as a clear warning to fraudulent traders that Trading Standards officers will pursue them and bring them before the courts.”

Any resident who has concerns about trader-related activity should contact the service on 01635 519930 or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk. If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the cold caller, call the police emergency number 999.