Rogue roofer jailed for conning residents

THE OWNER of a roofing company who carried out unnecessary, overpriced and substandard work on homes in East Sussex has been jailed.

Anthony O’Driscoll, 44, of Hever Road, Edenbridge, was sentenced to more than 5 years in custody when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, April 16, having plead guilty to four offences.

Investigations by East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team found that O’Driscoll, who traded as TNR Roofing out of Eridge Road in Crowborough, overcharged two homeowners in Eastbourne demanding £8,000 and £43,000, and charged a Tunbridge Wells resident £13,000 for work that should have cost a lot less.

The court heard how he also carried out work at a home in Crowborough to a poor standard, charging the resident £24,500.

O’Driscoll’s offences breached a Criminal Behaviour Order put in place after a conviction in 2021 for involvement in a network of rogue roofers conning people in South London.

Sentencing him to 61 months in prison, HHJ Mooney said O’Driscoll’s offences showed fundamental greed and callous disregard and that the Criminal Behaviour Order in place had had no effect on him.

A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation has begun and a Confiscation Hearing is likely to take place later this year.

Paul Davison, Enforcement and Investigations Manager for East Sussex Trading Standards, said: “Despite being subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order, O’Driscoll continued to defraud hard-working residents, charging them excessive prices for poor quality and unnecessary work.

“I hope his conviction sends a message to other unscrupulous traders that we will do everything we can to protect our resident and will take all necessary action to stop rogue traders operating in our county.

“To avoid being a victim of rogue traders, residents should never agree on the doorstep to have work carried out,” Mr Davison added.  “Always use a reputable trader, preferably someone who has been recommended by a friend or relative, take time before making a decision and get several written quotes before agreeing to have any work done.”

Anyone with concerns can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.

Ends.

Karen Bowles

Friday, 8 May 2026