A rogue builder who never seemed able to complete home renovations across Hammersmith and Fulham but was content to pocket vast sums has been jailed for three years. Darren Thomas Bolger, a 41 year old builder from the SW19 area, was found to have taken large amounts of money prior to starting building works. These included residential extensions and loft conversions under the names of multiple companies like 'Building Matters London Ltd.' His modus operandi was simple, he collected money from homeowners, left works unfinished, and returned to collect his tools. The homes would then be left strewn with masonry and all manner of junk , even WCs (pictured).
His luck ran out after he was confronted by a Queen's Counsel (QC), one of his victims who ocassionally sat in a London Court. Witnesses also had to be flown in from America whilst three defence witnesses were arrested for failing to answer summonses. Added to that, diligent work by officers from Hammersmith and Fulham led by DC Angela Mills and DS Richard Gilbert, who made sure Bolger was eventually nailed. He received a three-year custodial sentence at Norwich Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Richard Gilbert from Hammersmith and Fulham CID said: “This was a complicated investigation involving many victims and culminating in a fourteen week trial. I am pleased that the defendant has been found guilty of defrauding four families of almost a quarter of a million pounds. Hammersmith and Fulham Payback Unit will continue investigations into his finances to try to secure compensation for the victims. “
http://www.westlondontoday.co.uk/node/4644Interesting comment at the bottom of this article:
'I am also owed a large amount from Darren Bolger when he tried to set up a dodgy charity called Justice on Appeal.'
