A rogue builder has been jailed for more than four years following a detailed investigation by Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team.
Shane Steven Rollinson, who traded under several business names including SN Brickwork, SSR Brickwork & Driveways, and Brickwork Best, was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court of running a fraudulent business and multiple counts of perverting the course of justice.
Two Walsall residents were defrauded of more than £34,000 after hiring Rollinson, who initially came across as friendly and reliable. Once contracts were agreed, he requested large advance payments for materials and labour that were never supplied. As work slowed to a halt, he repeatedly demanded further payments, giving false excuses such as illness, family bereavements, accidents and hospital stays.
When the money had largely been handed over, communication dwindled and the little work completed was described as unsafe and substandard. Independent surveyors valued the combined work at just £2,600, compared with the tens of thousands paid by victims.
During the investigation, Rollinson attempted to pressure witnesses into withdrawing their statements, resulting in additional charges for perverting the course of justice.
Rollinson, of 5 The Shrubbery, Dudley (DY1 2BZ), was sentenced on 21 October 2025 to:
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Three years’ imprisonment for participating in a fraudulent business
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One year’s imprisonment (four counts) for perverting the course of justice — to run concurrently with each other but consecutively to the fraud charge
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One month for failing to surrender to bail
His total sentence amounts to four years and one month.
The court also issued a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) preventing him from advertising or carrying out any building work, or arranging for others to do so.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, said:
“Our Trading Standards officers work tirelessly to bring offenders like this to justice and protect consumers from being exploited. We’re grateful to those affected who came forward and helped ensure this conviction.
“This case shows how devastating the impact of rogue traders can be on residents — both financially and emotionally.“
Residents are encouraged to thoroughly research tradespeople before hiring them, obtain at least three quotes, and avoid making large upfront payments. People are also urged not to deal with cold callers and to take care when using social media to source services.
Anyone who is concerned about rogue trading or unfair practices can report it to Walsall Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.