Builder Matthew Cole sentenced for fraud in Cornwall

Matthew Cole, a 44-year-old builder from Plymouth, has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court following fraud charges. Cole admitted to making false representations and misusing client deposits for building projects in Cornwall that he failed to complete.

Investigations revealed that Cole accepted large sums of money, including one payment exceeding £39,000, while knowing he could not fulfill his commitments. In some instances, the work performed was of such poor quality that it required demolition. Additionally, Cole charged customers VAT despite not being registered for it.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced Cole to 15 months in prison for each of the five charges, to run concurrently, suspended for two years. The court noted that while Cole may have started as a legitimate businessman, he eventually overextended his business and continued to take payments for unfinishable work.