Rogue builder wrecked homes

A cowboy builder from Cannock ruined two family homes, including one belonging to a cancer patient.

Carl Greaves was today faced with a compensation and court bill of almost £30,000 for leaving the houses with uneven floors, leaky roofs and a dodgy boiler. He tricked his victims with false accreditations.

Alton and Jackie Saunders wanted an extension at their Wolverhampton home and Greaves was recommended by an architect, Walsall magistrates heard.

He handed over a business card and letter displaying the logo of the Federation of Master Builders, though his membership lapsed in 2008.

It was agreed the work would cost £61,500 and it started on May 26, 2009.

Miss Amy Jacobs, prosecuting, said the couple soon became concerned. "The defendant seemed to be leaving the site early."

Greaves, of Leacroft Lane, Churchbridge, left the job unfinished in November 2009 after the couple had paid £59,200.

A bedroom was too small, there was uneven flooring, a wrongly-installed boiler and a waste pipe not sealed properly. Mrs Saunders, 47, was battling breast cancer.

Greaves was recommended by the same architect to build an extension in Balvinder Kooner's family home in Wolverhampton.

He walked away from the unfinished work in May 2010, some £36,500 richer.

Greaves admitted falsely claiming to be a member of the Federation of Master Builders and completing work without "professional diligence". He was ordered to pay £20,000 compensation to the families, fined £2,500, plus £6,310 costs.