A cowboy builder has swindled numerous families out of thousands of pounds and engaged in theft during a series of crimes lasting over a year. Grant Peters, 39, from Dalkeith, undertook various building projects but only completed them partially from February 2020 to July 2021.
Criminal Activities
Peters accepted over £20,000 from unsuspecting victims, failing to fulfill his contractual obligations. Despite multiple requests for repayment, he did not return the money. He ultimately pleaded guilty to four fraud-related charges at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Victim Accounts
- Dalkeith Victim: One victim paid Peters £12,000 for work left unfinished from September 2020 to March 2021.
- Newtongrange Victim: A customer was charged £7,000 for a project that was never fully executed.
- Another Dalkeith Victim: A third individual paid £2,650 for building materials and incomplete work.
Theft of Building Materials
In addition to the fraud, Peters also stole building materials from a property in Dalkeith between February and October 2020. His actions have caused significant financial distress to his victims, who trusted him to perform necessary work on their homes.
Legal Proceedings
Peters faced legal consequences for his actions, reflecting the seriousness of his offences. The case highlights the risks homeowners take when hiring builders without adequate vetting.
As this incident illustrates, it is crucial for individuals to research and verify contractors to avoid becoming victims of similar scams.
