Rogue trader jailed after conning vulnerable victims out of more than £40,000

A rogue trader who conned two victims in north Kent out of more than £40,000 for unnecessary building work has been jailed.

Billy Beaney targeted the victims in Medway and Swale, claiming they needed work carried out on their homes. He would take their money but either fail to complete the work or leave it in a worse condition.

Crimes

In November 2025, the 29 year old cold called at a woman's home in Gillingham, telling her that a roof tile was damaged.

He offered to carry out a small amount of work to fix the issue in return for a recommendation on his website

But as he started the work, he claimed he had found further problems that needed attention. After initially charging £750, he repeatedly returned to the property, each time claiming there were additional issues and increasing the cost to £17,500.

Three days later, he returned again and stated that further work was required, taking the total amount quoted to £26,000. The victim paid a deposit of £8,500 but became suspicious when she could find no record of the company on Checkatrade and contacted Kent Police.

In January 2026, Beaney attended an address in Sittingbourne, claiming he had taken over the company that had previously carried out work on the victim's property. He told her the earlier work had been completed incorrectly and needed repairing at a cost of £3,000.

Over the following month, the victim made a number of further payments ranging from £1,250 to £5,000 for additional work Beaney claimed was required, taking the total amount demanded to £34,000 that was paid.

Investigation

However, when the roof began leaking, she became suspicious. She eventually told Beaney she no longer wanted him to carry out any further work and contacted police.

An investigation was launched and Beaney, of Stilebridge Lane, Maidstone, was arrested in Essex on 6 February 2026. When officers searched his vehicle, they found a number of items linked to the offences, including a receipt book detailing money taken from the victims.

He was subsequently identified by both victims during an identification procedure.

Court

Beaney pleaded guilty to 2 counts of fraud by false representation at an earlier hearing. At Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 19 October, he was jailed for a total of 28 months.

He must serve at least 14 months before being eligible for parole and is also subject to a restraining order protecting both victims.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Amy Jeffrey said:

‘Beaney took full advantage of two vulnerable women who placed their trust in him, causing them significant financial loss and distress. ‘He either fabricated problems that did not exist or created work for himself by deliberately damaging property in order to secure further payments. ‘Rogue traders can have a devastating impact on their victims, particularly those who may be elderly or vulnerable. I would encourage anyone who is approached unexpectedly and pressured into agreeing to costly home repairs to seek independent advice before handing over any money. ‘I am glad Beaney has been held accountable for his actions.’