Oliver Shipley appeared to prosecute the Defendant, Jonathan O’Grady, who faced 10 counts of Fraud by False Representation in a trial lasting 11 days at Hull Crown Court. The case related to a business run by the Defendant called ‘Grade A Home Improvements’ and operated a cold calling strategy across properties in Bridlington. It was not disputed by the Prosecution that legitimate business was completed at some customers unrelated to the trial satisfactorily. However, due to financial mismanagement and poor business practices, the business began to fail and the Prosecution case was that the Defendant targeted elderly customers, some as old as 92 years old, in order secure significant amounts of money by way of deposits despite knowing he was never able to complete the orders.
None of the 10 complainant’s had any of the work completed, yet had handed over significant cash deposits. The Defendant disputed that there was any dishonesty behind his representation and that he fully intended to complete the work. The Prosecution case consisted of video recorded interviews, evidence from trading standards, civilian witnesses, banking evidence, and bad character evidence.
Following deliberation, the Jury unanimously convicted the Defendant of all 10 counts and he was remanded into custody.
Sentencing will take place in November.