Danny Shea, 48, of Bordon, Hampshire was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court yesterday following a three-year investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

Shea initially pleaded not guilty to all the charges but he changed his pleas at hearings earlier this year.

Shea is now in jail

SEROCU officers and financial investigators had followed up allegations that homeowners in North East Hampshire and Surrey had paid more than £2.1m for renovations and rebuilding that had not been completed.

Shea also pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading, relating to theft of plant and construction machinery and motor vehicles, which had been unlawfully sold.

Detective Sergeant Ian Ball said; “For three years Shea systematically defrauded customers who engaged him to carry out building work.

“He claimed to be going to carry out work to a proper standard and finish the respective jobs.

“In fact he had no intention of doing either. After an original down payment he would obtain further money again with no intention of doing the work properly or sometimes at all.

“He would provide an initial quote, followed by a request for money upfront for labour and materials.

“He would provide references from customers satisfied with early work on their projects and suggested extra work which could be carried out.

“Further requests for payment would be made but work would slow and stop.

“There would be re-negotiation but by then the victims were sucked in and just wanted to have the work finished so would agree to the new demands and even pay suppliers direct for materials.

“Shea would meanwhile make token efforts at work just to keep them on the hook. Then he would disappear leaving unfinished and sub-standard work.

“The cost of remedial work sometimes ran into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“However, working with partners in many agencies, and with the CPS, we were able to support the victims and get the evidence that finally enabled us to bring Shea to justice. after an investigation that has now spanned three years.”