A vulnerable homeowner was defrauded out of more than £166,000 by Bryan Adams, a 36-year-old builder who diverted most of the funds to support his gambling addiction.
Between June 10, 2023, and December 3, 2024, Adams was contracted to build a single-storey side extension. Instead of using the money to pay suppliers and labor costs, he misappropriated a large portion of the funds for gambling, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Trading Standards Team.
Adams repeatedly deceived his client to secure additional payments. He falsely claimed that his bank account had been frozen and insisted on receiving cash for materials. At times, he even alleged reaching his daily cash withdrawal limit despite not making withdrawals.
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In one egregious case, Adams convinced the homeowner that the boiler had failed and charged for a replacement. However, a Bosch boiler sticker was simply affixed to the existing unit to create the illusion of a new installation. No new boiler was actually fitted.
A specialist building surveyor described the workmanship on the annex as “quite appalling,” performed by unskilled individuals lacking basic understanding of domestic construction. The annex was structurally unsound and subsequently demolished, leaving the homeowner with an uninhabitable property and financial losses exceeding £166,000.
At the time of sentencing, Adams was homeless. He pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court on December 19, 2025, to conducting a business for fraudulent purposes under the Fraud Act 2006. He admitted to taking large sums from the client by failing to complete agreed work, neglecting to supply paid-for materials, and grossly overcharging for what little work was done.
Adams returned to court on April 8, 2026, and was sentenced to two years and six months in custody. His gambling losses during this period exceeded £60,000.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community at Bath & North East Somerset Council, commented, “This case highlights the severe damage rogue traders can inflict on community members. The prosecution sends a clear message that such fraudulent behaviour will face significant consequences. Our Trading Standards team is dedicated to protecting residents and relentlessly pursuing those who violate the law.”