A tradesman who took money for work on a property that went uncompleted has been arrested and later convicted of theft.

Last Wednesday, Christopher Mower, 27, of Chartway Street, Maidstone, was convicted of theft after appearing before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. Consequently he was ordered to repay £4,000 to his victims, received a 12 month community order and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

On investing in Mower’s services to renovate a broken heating system in their property in Kingswood, a brother and sister paid £2,000 each to Mower, with £1,000 to be paid on completion.

After needed parts did not arrive on the expected delivery date, the victims spent almost four months without hot water or heating.

In March, Mower was reported to police and arrested.     

He was later charged with two counts of theft in relation to each victim.

Detective Constable Mo Nolan of Kent Police said: ‘I’m so pleased for the victims that we were able to bring this case to court, secure a conviction and ensure they will get their money back.

“The Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline can assist homeowners who feel they have been targeted by rogue traders and if anyone has any concerns we would encourage them to report them, and to speak to a local police officer if they feel a crime has been committed.’

The Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline can be contacted on 08454 04 05 06.