Cowboy plumber awaits sentencing

Gary Seabrook pleaded guilty to six counts of deception

A plumber who pleaded guilty to charging extortionate rates to unblock drains and toilets has had his case referred to crown court for sentencing.

Gary Seabrook, 41, of Beecholme Drive, Ashford, Kent, appeared at Eastbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

At the same court last month, he admitted six counts of deception.

One of his victims was an elderly lady from Bexhill, who paid him £5,255 for two days' work after he drove her to the bank to withdraw her pension.

I'm not a scumbag Gary Seabrook

Wendy Burbidge, 73, had called out the plumber to unblock a drain in July 2002, but was told by Seabrook that her pipes would have to be repaired as they had been damaged by tree roots.

Miss Burbidge died about a year later, with her family saying the incident was a contributory factor.

Another victim, Karen Jonckheere, from Sussex, called out Seabrook when her toilet became blocked by a toilet freshener in June 2003.

She was charged almost £3,000 for two hours' work.

During Thursday's court hearing, his solicitor said Seabrook had been tempted to overcharge customers because of pressure to provide for his children on his own after his wife had left him.

'I've done nothing wrong'

Mark Glendenning told the court Seabrook was sorry for any distress he had caused to Miss Burbidge and her family, and expressed remorse for overcharging Ms Jonckheere.

He explained how Seabrook had been contracted to First Call Direct, who took 50% of his wage.

Mr Glendenning said they were still happy to employ him on a salaried wage, which would remove the "incentive to over-egg the pudding".

Speaking outside court, Seabrook told journalists: "I'll tell you one thing, I'm not a scumbag."

"I've done nothing wrong," he said.

He is due to appear before Lewes Crown Court for sentencing at a date yet to be arranged.