An Island trader has been handed a suspended two-year jail term following an Isle of Wight Council investigation that uncovered fraudulent activities amounting to more than £162,000.
Scott Richard Carpenter appeared before the Isle of Wight Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) for sentencing after pleading guilty to two counts of participating in fraudulent trading at an earlier hearing.
The offences took place between May 2021 and October 2022 when Carpenter was trading under the unregistered business name Bespoke Carpentry and Building Services IOW.
Operating as a sole trader, the 41-year-old defrauded six customers, resulting in an estimated financial loss of £162,686, though Carpenter disputes the full figure.
An investigation by Trading Standards revealed consumers paid Carpenter for work and materials that were either not provided, not provided on time, or not provided to a satisfactory standard.
The victims, who suffered significant financial and emotional distress, provided statements that were crucial to building the case against the defendant.
The court heard Carpenter attributed some of his failure to fulfil contracts to extensive medical issues, though investigators found some of his claims were not substantiated by his medical records. This included claims he was suffering from bowel cancer.
Carpenter accepted he overstated his health concerns and told many lies to placate his consumers.
Sentencing Carpenter to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years, Mr Recorder Dow noted the profound impact on the victims, stating that "who could fail to be moved by the accounts of the victims."
He emphasised that "this is a small island" and Carpenter's crimes had affected the entire community. The judge concluded that, "on the narrowest of balances," he could suspend the sentence but stressed that "it is not a let off."
Carpenter was also given a 182-day curfew (from 7pm to 7am), coupled with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
It was made clear to Carpenter that if he breached any of the requirements, or committed any further offence during the next two years, the court could activate the suspended sentence.
Speaking after the hearing, James Potter, the council's Trading Standards and community safety manager, said:
"This prosecution underscores our commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent practices.
"We will continue to pursue justice for those affected and ensure that traders who engage in deceitful activities are held accountable.
"The financial and emotional distress caused to the victims in this case is significant, and we hope this outcome serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions."
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community safety, added: "This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for consumers to be aware of their rights. We are committed to supporting victims and ensuring that justice is served."
The council is now seeking a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to claw back the losses for Carpenter's victims.
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