Market Harborough Man Jailed For Rogue Trading Scam

A Market Harborough man has been jailed for nearly three years for his part in a nationwide rogue trading scam that targeted elderly and vulnerable people.

George Cardy, 25, of Northampton Road, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud and fraud by false representation.

Cardy was sentenced alongside his brothers Jaye and Sam Cardy, and accomplice Kenneth Hughes, at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday.

George Cardy Pic: Herts Constabulary

Between 2018 and 2023, the group cold-called at homes across the country, claiming urgent building work was needed.

In many cases the work was unnecessary or carried out to a poor standard. Victims were pressured into paying immediately, either by bank transfer or by being driven to the bank to withdraw cash.

One resident in their 80s was charged £44,000 for roof repairs. In total, the gang defrauded victims of more than £100,000.

The offences were carried out in St Albans, Bushey, Luton, Exeter, Bradford and Bovington in Devon.

Sentencing details were as follows:

• Jaye Cardy, 32, of Oakridge Lane, Aldenham, Watford, was jailed for five years.

• Sam Cardy, 30, of Park Street, St Albans, was jailed for two years and three months.

• George Cardy, 25, of Northampton Road, Market Harborough, was jailed for two years and 10 months.

• Kenneth Hughes, 53, of St Thomas’s Road, Luton, was jailed for three years and two months.

  

  Top to bottom: Kenneth Hughes,  Jaye Cardy and Sam Cardy. Pic: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Some victims have since been reimbursed by their banks, and further action will be taken to recover stolen funds, including the pursuit of confiscation orders.

Detective Constable Vicky Cornelius, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “The gang deliberately targeted vulnerable residents, claiming their homes needed urgent repair work, then charging them vastly inflated sums for poor work, or sometimes no work. They even left some victims with no roof during the winter months.

“Many of their victims were very elderly and felt they had no choice but to pay the bills, often leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket. Sadly, one of the victims has since passed away and never got to see justice done.”

She added: “If you have a trader calling at your home uninvited, claiming you need work done, never agree to anything or part with any cash straight away. If you are in doubt, take their information and contact Trading Standards to check their legitimacy.”

Some victims have since been reimbursed by their banks, and further action will be taken to recover stolen funds, including confiscation orders.

Criminal Behaviour Orders have also been applied for to prevent further offending upon their release.