Rogue trader gang ordered to repay Dorset man

The gang had approached the victim, a partially-sighted man at his home on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

They offered to do some work on the victim’s roof, but never provided any supporting documentation, contracts or invoices for the work and repeatedly added additional charges to the point where the victim lost track of his finances.

Daniel Mold, 32, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday,  December 16 2019 after being found guilty at an earlier hearing of conspiracy to defraud.

Mold, from Staffordshire, was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Daniel Mold

Following the sentencing, the Force’s Economic Crime Unit initiated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002.

At a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 21 October 2021, a judge ruled that Mold had benefited £16,500 from his offending. 

A confiscation order was made, which requires Mold to pay back the figure of £16,500 to the Bournemouth man.

It was identified that Mold did not have any available assets at the time of the initial confiscation order, however this order remains in place for life until the full figure has been repaid.  

At an earlier hearing on Monday, December 16, 2019 it was ruled that John Ward, aged 59 and of no fixed abode, had benefited £19,500 from his offending and a confiscation order was made requiring him to pay back this figure.

Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, of Dorset Police's Economic Crime Unit, said: “I hope this case is a further demonstration that we will use POCA legislation where it is available to take illegal earnings from criminals.

“As with all Proceeds of Crime confiscation orders, the outstanding benefit figure is still owed and the case will be reviewed in the future to ascertain if the defendant has acquired further assets.”

At the hearing all convicted members of the gang, including Daniel Mold, John Ward, Noel Christopher Ward, aged 35 and of no fixed abode, Tony Smith, 50 and of no fixed abode and Clifford Pritchard, aged 48 and of Forge Lane, Higham, Rochester in Kent, were made the subject of Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), preventing them from unsolicited communication or visits to private dwellings.

This means that they cannot cold call or tout for business by visiting people’s homes and they must notify police regarding businesses they own or manage.

A sixth defendant – James Christopher Ward, known as Jimmy Ward – was also made the subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order. He is wanted in connection with the investigation after failing to appear at court and being found guilty in his absence. 

Jimmy Ward

The 31-year-old, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, is described as white, five feet seven inches tall and of medium build with short black hair.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to call 101, quoting occurrence number 55190168816. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Anyone with concerns that they or vulnerable neighbours are being targeted by rogue traders is urged to contact Dorset Police. For crime prevention advice please visit www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property/protect-your-home/doorstep-crime/.