Builder fined for consumer protection offences
Posted on Wednesday 22nd March 2023
A building company and its sole director were fined for taking money from a Newport resident but failing to carry out any work.
Newport City Council successful prosecuted Ralsco Ltd and Julius Turko for three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
The company and Turko admitted failing to provide cancellation rights to a customer; failing to provide the business name and address and taking a payment of £2,300 but failing to carry out any work.
At Cwmbran magistrates court, Turko, aged 48, of Cormorant Way, Duffryn, was fined a total of £1,500 and ordered to pay compensation of £2,300 plus costs of £1,528.
Ralsco was fined a total of £300 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34.
The case was brought to court following an investigation by the council’s trading standards team.
Councillor James Clarke, the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning, housing and regulation, said: “It is absolutely unacceptable for traders to behave in this way, particularly when they take money for work that is then not carried out.
“Fortunately, the majority of businesses are trustworthy and compliant with consumer protection legislation, but I hope this case sends out the message that our dedicated trading standards team will take action against those who try to take advantage of customers.”