Posted on: Wednesday 9 July 2025
The owner of a landscape gardening company has been sentenced after being found guilty of defrauding customers.
Ian Wheeler of Gwent County Construction Ltd, was charged for taking up to £26,620 from seven customers for work he failed to complete or carried out to a poor standard.
On Monday, Mr Wheeler appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with one offence under the Fraud Act 2006 and six offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, following multiple complaints to Torfaen Council’s Trading Standards Team.
He received a six-month suspended sentence for consumer protection offences and a three-month suspended sentence for the fraud charge, both suspended for 15 months. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and attend a rehabilitation program.
A Compensation Order of £24,920 was issued, to be repaid at £800 per month over 2 years and 8 months. Failure to pay may result in imprisonment.
The court heard Mr Wheeler, from Pontypool, found customers on Facebook and asked them to pay a 50 percent deposit up front.
In three cases no work was carried out, with a range of excusesbeing given,including family emergencies, health problems, and issues with his van.
In four cases, minimal work was carried out to a poor standard. At one victim’s property, Mr Wheeler built a wall that fell down within weeks of being constructed.
Siobhan Anderson and her husband, from Newport, paid Mr Wheeler a £4,000 deposit for him to transform their front garden into a driveway.
Speaking after the case, Siobhan said: “To begin with, Ian seemed professional. He gave us a receipt which included a start date about a month into the future. No material was delivered as time passed, and the start date got closer.
“I can remember eight months after paying the deposit Ian messaged via my husband asking us what drainage we wanted. I thought it was weird because at this point, I had realised he wasn’t going to carry out the work.
“We released money from a further advance on our mortgage to have the job completed, which we will pay interest on for a long time.
“We struggle daily with parking and unfortunately don’t have the financial resources to be able to have anyone else to do the works.”
Daniel Morelli, Head of Public Protection and Environment, said: "This sentence sends a clear message that rogue traders who exploit and deceive residents will be held accountable.
“Mr Wheeler caused significant financial and emotional distress to his victims, who trusted him with their hard-earned money. As well as the direct impact on victims, his actions also serve to undermine the ability of reputable businesses to trade in a fair environment.
“Our Trading Standards Team is committed to protecting our communities from such fraudulent practices, and to supporting genuine and honest traders, and will endeavour to seek justice for those affected.
“It is important to remember that anyone can fall victim to scams and rogue traders, so people should not feel embarrassed, and should understand that our officers are here to safeguard them.”
To report concerns about builders and landscapers call the Citizen’s Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133, who can provide advice and update your local Trading Standards Team about your complaint.