Stewart Langton, a 34-year-old man, has been sentenced to four years and three months in jail for carrying out a fraudulent business that left homeowners devastated. Langton, posing as a reputable tradesman, conned people out of more than £200,000, leaving them with exposed roofs, overflowing gutters, and damaged gardens. Many customers were subjected to financial difficulties, anxiety, and stress as a result of the damage he caused. He used multiple business names between 2022 and 2024 to deceive customers, quoting low rates initially and then escalating prices once the work began.
Langton’s unethical practices included quoting low prices for small jobs and then escalating costs significantly once the work started. He would often demand large amounts of money immediately, threatening to walk off the job if the additional funds were not paid. Customers, including an 80-year-old woman and a mother on maternity leave, were coerced into paying substantial sums for incomplete and shoddy work. Langton’s fraudulent behavior left many people with unfinished repairs and potential dangers to their homes, like leaking roofs and unfinished repairs that could harm children.
Preston Crown Court heard that Langton had scammed 10 people out of a total of £202,030, with many being forced to pay much more than initially quoted to complete the work. An investigation by Trading Standards revealed that Langton operated under various business names, providing substandard and incomplete work to unsuspecting customers. An independent surveyor appointed by Lancashire County Council Trading Standards found that customers had paid for work that was either unnecessary or poorly executed. Langton’s criminal behavior has resulted in numerous individuals facing extensive bills to repair the damage he caused to their homes.
Langton’s deceitful tactics involved manipulating customers with initial low quotes for minor repairs and then pressuring them into paying exorbitant amounts for unnecessary or inadequately completed work. He often left roofs partially tiled, creating additional leaks and further damage to the properties. His fraudulent business practices included exploiting vulnerable customers, such as elderly individuals and young families, leading to financial losses and emotional distress. The court sentenced Langton to jail for over four years and imposed a 10-year criminal behaviour order banning him from working on people’s homes.
The case against Stewart Langton highlights the prevalence of cowboy builders who exploit unsuspecting homeowners for financial gain. Langton’s fraudulent activities caused significant harm to multiple individuals, leaving them with unfinished repairs and financial burdens. The court’s decision to jail Langton and restrict his ability to work on homes serves as a warning to others engaged in similar fraudulent practices. It also underscores the importance of conducting thorough research and due diligence when hiring tradesmen to avoid falling victim to scams and substandard work. Customers affected by Langton’s deceitful behavior are left to deal with the aftermath, facing extensive repair bills and emotional distress.
