Rogue roofer jailed again for further offences

A rogue roofer has been sentenced for offences across Norfolk, which he committed after being released from prison after serving time for similar crimes.

Wesley Theobald of King's Lynn was prosecuted after an investigation by Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards team following complaints from members of the public. Residents living in Norwich, Dereham and Ashill were all victims, with one losing more than £40,000 for roofing work that was never done.

Earlier this year, Mr Theobald pleaded guilty to a string of new charges including breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order which was handed to him during a previous sentencing in 2022. These latest charges relate to him failing to provide customers with written contract details, failing to provide written and dated receipts and failing to ensure monies paid by customers was paid into a defined business bank account.

He also pleaded guilty to fraud by failing to disclose to customers that he had been previously declared bankrupt and giving a false business address. 

Mr Theobald then subsequently also pleaded guilty to three allegations of theft, for taking payment for roofing works that he did not carry out. 

Sophie Leney, Head of Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards team, said: "We would like to thank the complainants for coming forward and assisting with important evidence in this case. It is vital that rogue traders like Mr Theobald are prosecuted. 

"Despite previous convictions resulting in custodial sentences, Mr Theobald continued to take money from customers for materials and work that was not completed. He also failed to comply with a Criminal Behaviour Order, imposed as a result of those previous offences. 

"We hope that this latest sentence reinforces the message that Norfolk Trading Standards will continue to bring action against those who commit such crimes." 

Mr Theobald was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Friday 21st June 2024 to four years custody for each of 9 fraud act offences (total 36 years) (to run concurrently), Mr Theobald was granted 25% reduction in his sentence for an early guilty plea. Mr Theobald was also sentenced to a total of 16 1/2 years custody for the other 10 offences (also to run concurrently). His total concurrent sentence will therefore be three years. 

The Criminal Behaviour Order, with no end date specified, remains in place.