A rogue trader who stole £187,000 from customers across Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for five years following a Trading Standards investigation.
Kevin Hayes, 48, of Frank Street, Stoke-on-Trent, took payments from 22 victims after falsely presenting himself as a legitimate kitchen and bathroom fitter and building contractor.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said Hayes visited customers’ homes, provided quotations and used unauthorised trademarks and company logos to create the impression that he was a reputable and experienced trader.
But after receiving money, he repeatedly failed to complete the agreed work or obtain the materials customers had paid for.
Victims were given a series of excuses, including claims that Hayes’ tools had been stolen, his van had broken down and members of his family had been admitted to hospital.
Some customers were left with unfinished and potentially unusable areas of their homes, while others lost substantial savings.
Hayes fled to Spain in November 2022 as the authorities investigated his activities. He remained overseas until he was caught and extradited to the UK in December 2025.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in a fraudulent business and two counts of the unauthorised use of a trademark.
In addition to the five-year prison sentence, Hayes was handed a criminal anti-social behaviour order preventing him from trading as a builder for five years following his release.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet member for city pride and enforcement, said Hayes had “wreaked havoc” on the lives of his victims.
He added: “Many victims were left with unfinished buildings and had their life savings stolen.
“Taking action against these traders is also vital to ensure legitimate businesses in the city are not undermined. The message is clear — those who steal and defraud innocent people will face serious consequences.”
Businesses or residents with concerns about rogue traders can contact Trading Standards on 01782 238884.
