Michael Collins fined after taking more than £2,000 for work that was never carried out

Michael Collins, 42, of Broad Street, Trowbridge, who traded as MC's Gardening & Handyman Services, appeared before Salisbury Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 18 August 2026.

Collins pleaded guilty to two offences relating to unfair commercial practices following an investigation by Wiltshire Council's Trading Standards officers.

The court fined him £300 and ordered him to pay a further £1,700, made up of £880 in prosecution costs, £700 compensation and a £120 victim surcharge.

The case followed complaints from two Wiltshire residents who paid Collins for home improvement work that was never carried out.

In the first case, a customer from Chippenham agreed to pay £1,250 for painting and decorating work after finding the business through social media.

Between September and November 2024, she paid Collins £700.

Despite receiving repeated assurances that the work would begin, no work was carried out and the customer did not receive a refund.

The second case involved a resident from Christian Malford, who paid Collins £1,391.53 towards fencing work.

The payment included a deposit and money for materials. However, the work was never started.

Trading Standards later discovered that the materials had not been ordered, despite assurances given to the customer.

During an interview under caution, Collins admitted receiving the payments from both customers.

He also confirmed that no work had been completed at either property and that none of the money had been returned.

Cllr Paul Sample, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said the residents had paid significant amounts of money believing that the agreed work would be completed.

He said customers should be able to trust traders who accept payment for services to either complete the work as promised or return their money.

The council said it remains committed to protecting consumers and will continue investigating traders suspected of unfair trading practices.

Residents looking for a local trader are being encouraged to consider the Buy With Confidence scheme, where businesses have been audited and approved by Trading Standards.

Anyone who believes they may have been affected by similar practices can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice.

The case is also a reminder for homeowners to carry out checks before paying large deposits for building, gardening, decorating or other home improvement work.

Consumers may wish to obtain written quotes, check references and confirm when materials will be ordered before making significant payments.