Anglesey rogue trader jailed for fraudulent home improvement practices

Paul Anthony Evans, 51, of Llain Feurig, Gwalchmai, Anglesey, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment (a minimum of six months in custody, with the remainder served on licence) following an investigation led by Anglesey Trading Standards.

The court heard that between November 2021 and March 2024, Evans, trading as P. Evans Home Improvement alongside his son and co-defendant, Paul Lennon Evans, engaged in fraudulent business practices and aggressive sales tactics. Their actions included targeting vulnerable victims, cold calling, touting for work, and charging excessive fees for poor-quality workmanship.

Despite previously providing an undertaking to Anglesey Trading Standards to cease such practices and repay an earlier victim, Paul Anthony Evans failed to comply with the repayment plan and continued operating in the same manner. This led to further complaints and, ultimately, prosecution.

On 21 May 2025, Paul Anthony Evans pleaded guilty to:

• two counts of participating in a fraudulent business
• one count of knowingly engaging in an unfair commercial practice
• one count of knowingly engaging in aggressive trade practices under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations

Given his previous convictions for similar fraud offences in 2013, magistrates referred him to the Crown Court for sentencing.

In passing sentence, Judge Timothy Petts described Evans’ actions as “sustained fraudulent aggressive behaviour”, highlighting the “very worrying pattern” of repeated offending despite being aware he was already under Trading Standards scrutiny.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Evans was ordered to pay £21,376 in compensation to his victims, at a rate of £300 per month once his prison sentence has been served.

His son, Paul Lennon Evans, was sentenced earlier at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on 7th of July 2025, having pleaded guilty to fraud by failing to provide cancellation rights and failing to demonstrate professional diligence under consumer protection law.

He received a 36-week custodial sentence (suspended for 12 months), was ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme and 80 hours of community service and must pay £3,089.34 in compensation at £200 per month.

Both men were also made subject to Criminal Behaviour Orders. These prohibit them from:

• cold calling residents
• accepting payment for work before completion to the customer’s satisfaction
• undertaking domestic work in Anglesey without notifying Anglesey Trading Standards

The order will remain in force for three years for Paul Lennon Evans and indefinitely for Paul Anthony Evans.

Councillor Nicola Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, welcomed the convictions:

“Exploiting vulnerable individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We commend the bravery of the victims who supported Trading Standards officers in bringing these offenders to justice.” 

She added, “We encourage any residents who have concerns about the practices of a trader to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Taking action not only helps protect you but also safeguards others in our community.”

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash