Ban on builder breaking promises

A builder in Berkshire faces jail if he breaks a High Court ruling banning him from arranging to do work but then failing to carry out his promises.

Paul Tedesco, director of Kyte Abbey Building Services, consented to the order brought by the Office of Fair Trading, but denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Tedesco, formerly known as Joseph Gauci, was accused of taking money from customers for work he then never did.

If he breaches the latest ruling, he may face jail or an unlimited fine.

The court heard that the builder had already ignored county court rulings against him.

John Vickers, chairman of the Office of Fair Trading, said: "Consumers have a right to receive the services they pay for within a reasonable time.

"The OFT will take robust action against traders who breach assurances they have given."