Gang Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly Out of £370,000

Five men received a combined sentence of 14 years at Bristol Crown Court for their involvement in a sophisticated fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly and vulnerable victims in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Herefordshire. The group exploited their victims, who had an average age of 74, between January and December 2022, stealing over £370,000 through deceptive practices related to home repairs.

The fraudsters initially approached victims with offers of low-cost guttering services. They subsequently pressured these individuals with fabricated claims of roof damage, compelling them to pay thousands for unnecessary and substandard repairs. The ringleaders, Carl Davies, 32, from London, and David Chalk, 30, from Surrey, directed the fraudulent operations and recruited accomplices to assist in their scheme.

In addition to the leaders, Vincent Allsopp, 37, from Gloucestershire, played a significant role by establishing a fraudulent business front and managing multiple bank accounts, which were used to funnel payments from victims. Two other accomplices, Stuart Woodward, 35, and Callum Taylor, 26, both from Ledbury, allowed their personal accounts to be used to obscure the flow of illicit funds.

Details of the Fraud

The gang operated under various aliases, including “Adam,” “Andy,” and “Allsopp,” to create confusion among victims and evade detection. Their fraudulent activities were conducted through companies trading as “Andy’s Gutters/Roofing” and “Guttering.”

One notable victim, a pensioner from Salisbury, was initially quoted £14,000 for roof repairs after seeking assistance for a blocked gutter. The price later skyrocketed to £36,500 based on false claims of rotten rafters. Over several weeks, she was pressured into paying for supposed additional materials, shown misleading photographs of alleged roof damage, and threatened that work would cease when she questioned the escalating costs. An independent inspection later revealed that the roof did not require replacement, and the quality of work performed was described as “very poor.” Ultimately, she lost £58,000 to the group and had to spend an additional £22,000 to rectify the damage caused.

Another victim, an 86-year-old woman from Ledbury who has since passed away, was targeted during a time of vulnerability while her sister was hospitalized. The fraudsters took advantage of her situation, coercing her into agreeing to unnecessary work and refusing to provide invoices. They frequently entered her home through the back door and persistently demanded more money, asking, “you trust us, don’t you?” She ended up paying over £86,000 and was later given a fraudulent £120,000 compensation cheque that bounced.

In total, the gang targeted nine homes, laundering their proceeds through various accounts and associates, spending tens of thousands on gambling and cash withdrawals. A thorough investigation by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team (South West), hosted by Bristol City Council, uncovered their operations through meticulous analysis of bank records, witness statements, and expert building reports that confirmed the work was both unnecessary and dangerously substandard.

Sentencing and Impact

The recent sentencing follows a series of guilty pleas from the defendants. David Chalk admitted to fraudulent trading under the Fraud Act, while Callum Taylor pleaded guilty to money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act on June 9, 2025. Carl Davies subsequently pleaded guilty to similar charges on September 9, 2025, and both Vincent Allsopp and Stuart Woodward entered guilty pleas for money laundering offences on September 10, 2025.

The sentences imposed include Carl Davies receiving four years and eight months, David Chalk three years and two months, and Vincent Allsopp three years for money laundering. Stuart Woodward was sentenced to one year and ten months, while Callum Taylor received one year and four months, suspended for two years, alongside 200 hours of unpaid work and a curfew.

Amy Chapman, Investigation Team Manager for the NTS South West Regional Investigation Team, emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, stating, “The success of this operation highlights the power of effective collaboration and intelligence sharing between partners. Together we can dismantle vast organised fraudulent operations, better protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, and send a clear message to would-be fraudsters that crime does not pay.”

Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, condemned the fraudsters for preying on vulnerable individuals, stating, “Their actions caused significant financial and emotional distress. This sentencing sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.” He urged anyone affected by similar fraudulent activities to report them to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline at 0808 223 1133.