A man who claimed to be a builder and a kitchen and bathroom fitter has been sentenced to five years in prison after stealing over £180,000.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's trading standards team found that Kevin Hayes took a total of £187,000 from customers across Stoke-on-Trent as well as the wider Staffordshire area and further afield.

The city council said he visited properties and provided quotes, using false trademarks and other logos to give the impression he was a legitimate trader.

After receiving payment, Hayes made excuses for not completing the work, such as having tools stolen, his van breaking down and family members in hospital.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "I welcome this sentencing and thank our trading standards team for their hard work to bring this rogue trader to justice.

"He wreaked havoc over many lives, with many victims living with unfinished buildings and having life savings stolen.

"Taking action against these traders forms part of our wider work to tackle illegal businesses and ensure legitimate businesses in the city are not undermined. The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to steal and defraud innocent people."

In November 2022, Hayes absconded to Spain, before he was caught and extradited back to the UK in December 2025.

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He pleaded guilty to two counts of participating in fraudulent business and two counts of the unauthorised use of a trademark.

Aside from his custodial sentence, Hayes was issued with a criminal anti-social behaviour order, meaning he cannot trade as a builder for five years after he is released from prison.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has urged anyone with concerns about rogue traders to contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit the website here.