Lincolnshire Trading Standards has secured a prosecution against a dodgy handyman who defrauded at least 23 victims across the East Midlands.
He was overcharging; taking large – and sometimes several – deposits; encouraging them to agree to more, unnecessary work; and then actually doing little to nothing. The work he did complete was often substandard. Lincolnshire Trading Standards Officer, Alan Griffin, explains: “When he was being interviewed under caution in September 2020, William ‘Billy’ Bower couldn’t even remember all of the business names he’d traded under, he had used that many.
Incredibly, whilst in custody at HMP Lincoln, Mr Bower maintained contact with one Leicestershire victim, calling him persistently to continue his harassment and intimidation. At Lincoln Crown Court on 27 February 2023, William Bower was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison. Further investigations have now begun for future hearings to discuss compensation for his victims.