Cowboy builder accused mum of ‘playing disability card’ after botching job
A builder who faked his online reviews and left multiple homes in tatters has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds – or face even more time in prison.
Billee Hopkinson ‘moved from victim to victim with ease’, lying to them about his qualifications and even taking on more jobs after his business went bust.
Altogether, the 35-year-old profited £36,582 from people who hired his company.
A family who paid him to renovate a garage for their disabled daughter were left with an incomplete job.
When the child’s mother confronted him, Hopkins went as far as accusing her of fraud and ‘playing the disability card’.
In May, the trader was jailed for 20 months after complaints to Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards.
Judge Ian Unsworth said his offences were so serious they could only be punished with an immediate jail term.
The court was told victims had handed over some £78,000 to Hopkins, who had no formal building qualifications when he operated under the name Ultra Restore Ltd.
He later admitted glowing online reviews had been written by his wife and friend.
Each of his victims had suffered severe financial and emotional distress, Judge Unsworth said.
As a result of his botched work, a woman’s home was so cold and damp that her baby developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to hospital.
Two of his victims had to borrow money to remedy the damage he caused.
‘You moved from victim to victim with ease,’ Judge Unsworth told Hopkins in court.
A Proceeds of Crime hearing, held at Preston Crown Court, found Hopkinson, of Tag Lane, Preston, had profited £36,582 from his victims.
He was also told he must pay the full amount back within three months or face a further 12 months behind bars.
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