COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

A ‘cowboy builder’ who completed shoddy work on homes has become the first Warwickshire trader to be given an Anti-social behaviour order.



Paul David Henstone was given the ASBO after being branded a ‘cowboy builder’ by a judge.

Henstone, who has recently been released from prison for fraud, carried out second-rate work at homes across Nuneaton, Bedworth, North Warwickshire and the rest of the county.

The 43-year-old had previously tried to improve his business practices but failed and at Coventry Crown Court Judge Gregory made an Anti-social behaviour order against him.

Should he breach the order he faces up to two years in prison.

Warwickshire county councillor Richard Hobbs, cabinet member for community protection, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure an ASBO against this trader.”

“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 nonexistent work.

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

The order prevents Henstone, who gave his address in court as Tredington Park, Hatton Park in Warwick, 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.

* 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.

Judge Gregory stated that he was entirely satisfied that an ASBO was necessary to protect Warwickshire consumers in light of Mr Henstone’s history.

In 2007 Henstone was prosecuted by Solihull Trading Standards in relation to bad building work carried out on a consumer’s home, and subsequently gave Warwickshire Trading Standards his word that he would improve his business practices.

Following more complaints, in 2009 Warwickshire Trading Standards sought a Court Order against Henstone, requiring him to change his ways.

Consumer complaints nevertheless continued to be received.

Then last year Henstone was prosecuted by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) for three fraud offences and also being involved in the management of a company while being an undischarged bankrupt.

He was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, of which he served four months before being released on licence.

Henstone was warned that he could be sent to prison for up to two years if he breaches the ASBO.