Leon Pate, a rogue builder, has been jailed for defrauding customers out of thousands of pounds by providing shoddy and unfinished construction work.

Pate swindled six homeowners in Lancashire while operating under names such as Driveway Designs and Landscapes, and Build Landscapes. He assured clients he would repair their homes and landscape their gardens but left them with rubble and significant repair bills instead.

Initially appearing in court in June, Pate was given a six-month deadline to repay his victims £30,000. Failure to return any funds led to his sentencing at Burnley Crown Court this week, where he received an 11-month prison term.

Lancashire County Council reported that Pate pleaded guilty to engaging in unfair commercial practices under Consumer Protection Regulations. Each of his victims received poor-quality and incomplete work.

Pate developed a pattern of commencing jobs, creating a mess, and then abandoning projects. Most of his work required redoing by other tradesmen later on.

Common issues included incomplete roofing, leaks, payments for materials that never arrived, and heaps of rubbish left for homeowners to clear. In some instances, Pate pressured homeowners into making premature payments by threatening project stoppages.

He secured jobs by making unrealistic promises regarding quick completions but then delayed the work for months. In some cases, homeowners were left living in disarray for over a year after work began.

Following his sentencing on Monday, December 9, Pate will face confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek compensation for his victims.

Councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, expressed his dismay: "I was appalled to hear how Lancashire residents were exploited by Mr Pate, but I'm pleased that he has been brought to justice. Our Trading Standards Officers will continue to take robust action to protect Lancashire householders from rogue tradesmen."

He added, "The message is clear - if you target our residents with misleading claims or negligent work, we will prosecute you and take you off the streets. Rogue traders can appear friendly and plausible at the start, only to leave houses in chaos when things go wrong."

"It is essential to conduct thorough checks before hiring traders. Use the Lancashire Safe Trader Scheme, obtain recommendations from friends and family, and ensure you get multiple quotes for the work needed. Seeking early assistance is crucial. If you suspect a rogue trader, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133."