Village News

Christmas Lights

210208 | Builder James Lee Knight (aka Jay Knight or Jay Knight Mason) who lost residents £100,000 admits nine offences of fraud

Builder who lost residents £100,000 admits nine offences of fraud

A builder whose shoddy work meant his customers lost around £100,000 has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of fraud following an investigation by Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards.

James Lee Knight, aged 44, of Reawla Lane, Reawla, Hayle advertised for building works via Facebook under the names of Jay Knight or Jay Knight Masonry.

But from January 2017 and September 2020 he persuaded at least eight homeowners to pay for repairs or extension works that he failed to finish. Most of the work he did undertake was of such a poor standard that it needed to be re-done by other firms.

Fraud builder

His victims told of the various excuses and “sob stories” he would give when challenged on the slow progress being made or when he simply stopped turning up. Many had also been persuaded to make additional payments or order materials direct from the builders merchants on his behalf in order to try and get the work finished.

In one instance he then tried to re-sell some of the materials bought by the customer.

During the investigation, Trading Standards also discovered that Knight had kept a rental car for months longer than he had paid for. When threatened with police action he finally abandoned the vehicle in such an appalling condition that it had to be removed from the fleet.

The team also uncovered other examples where Knight had commissioned services from other local businesses but had then not paid them.

On Wednesday February 3, 2021 Knight appeared at Truro Crown Court where he admitted nine offences of fraud, one offence of theft and one of criminal damage.

He was ordered to return to the Crown Court on March 24, 2021 at which time he will be sentenced.

Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection, said: “This man caused a lot of upset to homeowners who have lost significant amounts of money.

“I would like to thank our Trading Standards team who have worked so hard to bring this case to court and seek justice for the victims.

“We will not hesitate to prosecute those who commit such crimes and hope this serves as a warning to others.”

Story created on 8 February 2021

Book page

TitleCreated
240325 | Open letter to all party candidates | sign to help Cornwall Wildlife Trust make difference for Nature at election 21 hours 19 min agoBook page
240310 | Detailed plans for affordable-led housing in Connor Downs 10th March 2 weeks 3 days agoBook page
240310 | Waste collections changes Helston, Penzance, Hayle | second phase:food waste, recycling, rubbish - commences July 2 weeks 3 days agoBook page
240218 | Collapsed North Quay development in Hayle described as a 'sea of despair' 5 weeks 15 hours agoBook page
240214 | Hayle North Quay development collapse sees eight companies go bust Work has ground to a halt on the blocks of flats 5 weeks 3 days agoBook page
240220 | Poling works | Grist Lane and Marsh Lane, Angarrack | expected 20 Feb 2024 0830-1630, for one day 7 weeks 1 day agoBook page
231130 | Are you ready for weekly food waste recycling? | Food Waste, Recycling and Rubbish Collection Changes 16 weeks 2 hours agoBook page
230821 | People of Cornwall town 'thrown under bus' over housing plan | direct result of councillors handled Hayle masterplan 31 weeks 1 day agoBook page
230817 | When will new rubbish collection changes start, Cornwall 31 weeks 6 days agoBook page
230809 | Holiday park in Cornwall for emergency housing still empty | Sandbank site purchased Cornwall Council in Jan 2022 32 weeks 5 days agoBook page
230811 | Decision on huge solar farm at Carnhell Green: refused 32 weeks 5 days agoBook page
230809 | Nearest NHS dental practice to Cornwall taking new patients 32 weeks 5 days agoBook page