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/4644
Interesting 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.'
Police sued over pub murder November 2009"THE brother of a convicted murderer is suing Essex Police over claims they fabricated evidence in his brother’s case.
Darren Bolger, 40, served county court papers on the force at its Chelmsford headquarters on Tuesday.
The writ claims he is suing the force over claims they fabricated and altered evidence in the case of his brothers Jason and Brian Bolger.
Jason Bolger, now 32, formerly of Celandine Close, South Ockendon, was caged in May 1999 for the killing of pub customer Gary Edwards at the Village Inn pub, in South Ockendon.
His brother Brian was ordered into psychiatric care indefinitely after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Mr Bolger said: “My claim is that Essex Police fabricated evidence and corruptly acted in a murder investigation.
“It has been a long process I have taken, with a number of others involved.
“But now I finally have the evidence to support the claim in a court. I am happy to fight them in any court.”
Nicola Bastendorff, spokeswoman for Essex Police, said: “Essex Police has been served with court proceedings which relate to the murder of Gary Edwards.
“The documents are being examined by the force solicitor.”
During a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, jurors head how the Bolger brothers had been drinking at the pub on March 11, 1998, when they are alleged to have launched the attack on fellow drinker, 40-year-old Mr Edwards.
Mr Edwards was felled by a single punch before a bar stool was smashed over his head.
He was also slashed with broken bottles and ashtrays before he was dragged into the street where he was kicked, punched and stamped on.
Mr Edwards received eight broken ribs and his jaw was broken in four places.
Passer-by James Buckingham, who tried to help, was also attacked and was left with a hole the size of a golf ball in his skull.
Murder charges brought against a third man were discharged by the court.
In April last year Jason Bolger launched a bid to challenge his conviction.
https://www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/news/4757792.police-sued-over-pub-murder/
