Sompting Roofer Sentenced for £150,000 Fraud

A rogue trader has been convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraudulent activities that cost local residents approximately £150,000.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Terry Green, operating under Universal Roofs Ltd and Universal Roofing and Guttering Services in Sompting, misled residents about the dangerous condition of their roofs, persuading them to enter into agreements for unnecessary work.

The investigation, spanning from September 2019 to July 2022, uncovered multiple victims who were significantly overcharged. One victim was initially quoted £50 for tile replacement but ended up paying £95,000. Another case involved a resident in Pulborough who was charged £13,000.

West Sussex County Councillor Duncan Crow said: “I am pleased that this investigation has ended with a successful conviction and hope this will bring some peace of mind to the victims.