An Angus joiner who defrauded customers out of tens of thousands of pounds after failing to complete promised home improvements could spend Christmas in prison.
Lawrence Kettles, operating as LWK Joinery, scammed a Carnoustie man out of £27,500 over a bathroom which never appeared.
While still dealing with that customer, Kettles conned a Downfield man out of more than £33,000 over a kitchen he had already returned.
While still negotiating with both clients, Kettles managed to take another £5,900 after promising to fit a boiler at a Hilltown flat.
The 52-year-old, of Tiger Beach Drive in Carnoustie, could be jailed later this week.
First victim
The first customer Kettles defrauded was a resident at Gibson Street in Carnoustie.
Court papers confirm the joiner had promised to complete building works which he stated would take 12 weeks.
Kettles initially quoted the man £31,500 and managed to induce him into paying £27,500 of it, claiming he had already purchased materials including bathroom fittings.
Kettles and the man had initially agreed the deal in February 2015 but by the end of June that year, the relationship had broken down.
The work was never completed.
Targets in Dundee
While Kettles was still being chased for work to be completed in Carnoustie, he began targeting a man in Eskdale Avenue, Dundee.
Kettles pretended he would complete £24,000 worth of building work.
He told his client he had bought a kitchen and timber frame to induce him into parting with his cash.
In fact, the kitchen had been returned to the supplier and the timber frame had never been bought.
Between March and August 2015, Kettles manged to fraudulently obtain £33,850 from the man.
Again, the work was never finished.
Kettles’ final victim was a man living in Nelson Street in Dundee.
He quoted £8,000 to install a new boiler and requested advance payments.
Their working relationship began at the end of May 2015 but had broken down within a week.
Kettles managed to scam £5,900 from the customer.
Back in court
At a previous hearing, Kettles admitted defrauding the three customers.
Kettles had expected to be sentenced at Dundee Sheriff Court on Tuesday but was told his hearing had been deferred until Friday.
Five one-star reviews of LWK Joinery remain online at Big Red Directory, all accusing Kettles of failing to complete work.
One stated: “Absolute joke of a joiner. Do not contract this person.
“Unreliable isn’t the word. Will ask for cash constantly then fail to turn up or get materials delivered.
“Some unbelievable excuses. NEVER AGAIN… PLEASE AVOID.”
Another read: “Do not go near with a 10ft barge pole. If you wanna keep your savings, pension and sanity… steer clear.”
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