Rogue builders jailed for conning York homeowner out of almost £93,000

Our Economic Crime Unit has secured justice for a victim who was conned out of almost £93,000 by rogue builders operating in York.

Patrick Joseph Connors, 44, of Roseberry Park, Bristol, and John Joseph McEvoy, 33, of Bro Athro, Cardiff, were jailed for five years and three years respectively on 19 March 2026 at York Crown Court.

 

 

They pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining £92,930 between 1 October 2021 and 5 January 2022 at a hearing earlier this month.

The victim, who was aged in his early 60s at the time and lives on his own on the outskirts of York, was first targeted by the offenders in October 2021.

They knocked on his door and informed him that he needed fascias and soffits fixing on his house’s roof.

The victim initially told them he wasn’t interested, but they insisted and started the work.

They then ‘uncovered’ other issues with the roof that needed urgent repairs, and even a crack in the plasterwork in the house.

Concerned by what was happening, it was reported to North Yorkshire Police on 4 January 2022.

Officers were made aware that the builders were returning the next day to do more work.

Connors and McEvoy got an unwelcome surprise when they were met by officers and arrested.

The victim initially made six payments between 6 and 30 October 2021 to one account, and then a further 18 payments to another account between 5 November and 22 December 2021.

Analysis of the transactions linked to an associate of Connors and McEvoy who remains subject of criminal proceedings.

Detective Constable Nick Lane, of the Economic Crime Unit, led the long-running investigation which ultimately brought the offenders to justice.

DC Lane said: “The victim paid a total of £92,930 for very little building work done to his house, and even that was to a very poor standard as confirmed by an expert witness surveyor who assessed it and produces a report on his findings.

“Connors and McEvoy intimidated the victim to pay a large amount of money for repairs that were not asked for and not needed by the homeowner.

“This clearly demonstrates a callous criminal tactic that is often used by rogue builders.

“If builders or other traders turn up at your house uninvited, our crime prevention message is to tell them that you are not interested. Then make a report to the police on 101 or 999 for an emergency response if you feel threatened.

“Genuine workers will not behave in this way. They will make arrangements by appointment only and will carry ID with contact details to verify their credentials.

“Trust your instincts regarding suspicious activity and keep look out for your relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to such cold-call approaches.” 

The victim has had around half the money refunded by his bank, but he has still suffered substantial financial losses.

Other suspects have been identified and arrested as part of the investigation. They will be dealt with in due course.