A rogue trader from Ipswich, described as a serial offender, who carried out poor block paving and landscaping work, is starting a nine-month prison sentence.

Paul English, previously known as Paul Bagley, of Thackeray Road, Ipswich appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, October 29, and pleaded guilty to fraud and consumer protection offences in relation to work he carried out in Ipswich and Clacton. Mr English had most recently been trading under the name New Look Landscapes of Ipswich.

Suffolk Trading Standards, who brought the prosecution, initially received a complaint from a homeowner regarding the poor quality and excessive time taken by him to carry out block paving and landscaping work at their property.

Investigations also brought to light other similar complaints in Essex.

Tony Doorly, Suffolk Trading Standards officer, said: “In addition to the sub-standard work carried out by Mr English his contracts also failed to comply with legal requirements to give consumers a 14-day cancellation period prior to work starting.

“Earlier this year, Suffolk Trading Standards obtained an indefinite Enforcement Order under the Enterprise Act against Mr English.

“This sets out the way in which Mr English must trade, in order to comply with legislation, and should prevent him from committing similar offences in the future.”

Mr Doorly said Trading Standards would monitor any future complaints and take immediate action if any breaches of the enforcement order were identified. These could result in Mr English being found in contempt of court, and a potential prison sentence.

As Paul Bagley, English has convictions for consumer protection offences, including being jailed for six months in 2015 and receiving an 18 month suspended sentence in 2013.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “The action taken by Suffolk Trading Standards sends out a clear message that they will use all the tools in their armoury to ensure that rogue traders like Paul English are prevented from deceiving and cheating homeowners.

“If you are looking for a reputable trader to carry out work on your property, I urge you to ask friends and family for recommendations and take time to consider your options.”

If you need advice or wish to report an individual or company to Trading Standards, you can do so by calling Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.