A rogue roofer, who’s workmanship was so poor that a new flat roof he fitted at a Halesowen home had to be replaced five months after installation, has appeared in court.

Gary Chance of Sedgeford Close, Brierley Hill, who traded as Apex Roofing, pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court on 24 February under consumer protection from unfair trading regulations and was due to his failing to demonstrate ‘professional diligence’. The prosecution was brought forward by Dudley Council’s trading standards team.

The roof replacement work did not comply with building regulations and was found to be inadequate and defective to such an extent that it required removal and further replacement – requiring the homeowner to pay out a totally unnecessary £8,299. The court also heard how the contract Mr Chance had with the consumer purported to be with a Limited Company, when it in fact was not.

In mitigation, Chance said this happened around the time he’d had a motorbike accident and he had relied on someone to make good the job.

The court fined Chance a total of £240. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30, costs of £2,931.95 and £8,299.85 compensation to the victims of Chance’s poor workmanship. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said:

"This prosecution sends out a clear message we will protect consumers from the activity of rogue traders who flout the law and carry out sub standard work

"This kind of activity causes a huge amount of distress to the victims who have worked hard and saved to pay for improvements to their homes and are then badly let down."

Dudley Trading Standards Fix a Home scheme offers a list of local approved traders who provide services of a high standard at a fair cost, copies are available online.