A rogue trader has been jailed for misleading the public.

Brian Tomney, the director of Prestige Driveways and Patios Ltd has received an eight month custodial sentence and disqualification as a director for three years for fraudulently misleading Sutton residents that his company was approved by or is a member of various Trade bodies or associations including the Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Federation of Master Builders.

On December 9 at Croydon Crown Court, Judge Flahive sentenced Brian Tomney of Layhams Road, Bromley to an eight month prison sentence following guilty pleas to offences of Fraud and Unfair Trading.

Brian Tomney, Director of Prestige Driveways and Patios Ltd cold-called on the homes of residents in Sutton offering to carry out paving and garden landscaping.

He handed out flyers advertising his business which included claims that the business was a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Federation of Master Builders.

The Company website also made false claims of membership of Trusted Trader, Rated People and MyBuilder.

An investigation by Trading Standard Officers at Sutton Council found that Prestige Driveways and Patios Ltd was not a member of the Trade Bodies stated on their flyers and website.

This resulted in residents being misled into believing that the company has been vetted and approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Federation of Master Builders and was approved by Trusted Trader, Rated People and MyBuilder.

The Consumer protection regulations protect consumers from unfair, misleading or aggressive selling practices. Falsely stating membership of a trade body is an unfair practice which is banned and carries a maximum fine of £5,000 or on indictment a fine and up to two years imprisonment or both.

Cllr Manuel Abellan, Chair - Environment & Neighbourhood Committee said: “We are very pleased that the courts have imposed this sentence on Mr Tomney who was misleading Sutton residents about the credentials of his company.

"When contracting for work to your home do not be pressured into signing up for work at the doorstep. Take your time and check out the credentials of the trader."