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  • Builder Sean Stanway, 54, faked cancer as an excuse to avoid carrying out work
  • Were YOU a victim of Stanway’s? Email [email protected] 

A rogue builder who faked cancer while swindling customers out of £57,000 has been jailed for three years. 

Sean Stanway, 54, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, took money from five customers without finishing promised works – and then pretended he had been struck down with the illness.   

Stanway has now been jailed for three years after admitting a string of charges including seven counts of fraud, dishonestly failing to disclose information and possession of criminal property.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for enforcement, said: ‘This type of fraud can have a devastating impact on the finances and lives of victims. 

‘Mr Stanway had a selfish disregard for his victims as he has not only often left their homes in a mess but saw them severely financially out of pocket.’

Sean Stanway, 54, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, took money from five customers without finishing promised works - and then pretended he had been struck down with cancer

Sean Stanway, 54, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, took money from five customers without finishing promised works – and then pretended he had been struck down with cancer

Stanway has now been jailed for three years after admitting a string of charges including seven counts of fraud, dishonestly failing to disclose information and possession of criminal property (Pictured: Stone-on-Trent Crown Court)

Stanway has now been jailed for three years after admitting a string of charges including seven counts of fraud, dishonestly failing to disclose information and possession of criminal property (Pictured: Stone-on-Trent Crown Court)

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Stanway had run his own firm, Stanway Building and Maintenance for 19 years, giving customers an impression he was a reliable contractor.

Instead, he left them out of pocket, with their homes upended from unfinished projects that required other builders to complete.

Stanway has been made bankrupt since the offences came to light.

Councillor Wazir added: ‘They were forced to employ other competent traders to finish or complete the work. 

‘We treat these crimes very seriously and these investigations are vital to protect the residents of Stoke-on-Trent.’

The investigation was led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s trading standards team. 

The local authority is urging customers to get three quotes and references from satisfied customers before parting with any money. 

Trading standards also advises to get a geographical address and paperwork from a builder and any payment over £100 should be made with a credit card.

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This post first appeared on Daily mail