Trading Standards probe uncovers man described by judge as ‘the epitome of a rogue trader’

Between April 2021 and December 2023, Wayne John Phillips of WJP Electrical of Lingfield Avenue, Port Talbot, was approached by homeowners looking to refurbish and rewire their homes.

Mr Phillips contracted with each of the homeowners to undertake various electrical, plumbing and building work to a value of around £14,000. Mr Phillips provided written quotations which bore the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors) approved contractor logo.

NICEIC assesses more than 37,000 businesses to ensure installations they undertake meet the standards expected to keep people safe. To become NICEIC registered, traders must demonstrate competence and commitment to quality workmanship, provide evidence of experience and qualifications, such as NVQ or City & Guilds certificates, have appropriate Insurance cover and pass an on-site assessment with an approved assessor.

Work on all three properties commenced but was never completed. An expert found the work extremely shoddy and potentially dangerous.

Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards officers found Mr Phillips held no electrical qualification and was not a registered or approved NICEIC contractor.

Phillips pleaded guilty to six offences under the Fraud Act 2006 when he appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court on 24th July 2025 and having heard the facts of the case, the magistrates felt their sentencing powers were insufficient and committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

Mr Phillips appeared before Judge Paul Thomas KC on 25th September, 2025, for sentence. The judge told Mr Phillips he was the “epitome of a rogue trader” and his claiming to be an electrician was tantamount to someone with “a Biology A-Level claiming to be a doctor”.

Allowing a 30% credit for his early guilty plea, Judge Thomas sentenced Mr Phillips to:

• 20 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.
• A requirement to complete 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity as directed by the Probation Service.
• 200 hours unpaid work as directed by the Probation Service, and
• A Victim Surcharge of £156.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips said: “Rogue traders such as Mr Phillips do not see the obligations they have to their customers, only seeing them as a means to financial gain.

“Trading Standards take a hard line on investigating businesses that flout the law and target the vulnerable. The service is promoting a national trading standards run trader approval scheme called Buy With Confidence.

“Legitimate and responsible traders are encouraged to make enquiries with the department to join the scheme. Consumers should check the “Buy with Confidence” website for approved traders”.

If you wish to report any such incidents please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 2231133 or 0808 2231144 if you wish to speak to an advisor in Welsh.