A business owner who claimed a customer from Salford “looked like the type of person who wouldn’t pay” has been sentenced for fraud after a five-year delay.
John Mongan, 47, of A1 Garden & Landscape Services, was convicted in 2020 for fraud and consumer protection offences after he failed to carry out landscaping work he had been paid for upfront.
A warrant was issued for his arrest after Mongan was convicted in his absence of three counts of fraud by false representation and one count of misleading action.
After a lengthy delay, on Friday 23 January, Mongan was ordered to pay £1,380 in compensation to cover the damages suffered by the Salford resident.
He was ordered to take part in 150 hours of unpaid work and complete 10 rehabilitation activity days.
In 2018, Mongan was hired to carry out landscaping work at the complainant’s home. To justify demanding upfront payment before any work commenced, the business owner claimed the customer “looked like the type of person who wouldn’t pay.”
The court heard that Salford City Council’s Trading Standards team brought the prosecution after the victim paid out £1,380 but only minimal preparatory work was done.
The court awarded £1,123 in costs to Salford City Council.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety said: “This case highlights our commitment to protecting consumers from rogue traders.
“Businesses that persistently ignore the law not only cause victims to suffer but also undermine legitimate traders. I’m pleased that he has finally been brought to justice, sending a clear message that such dishonest practices will not be tolerated in Salford.”
