Essex Builder Faces Ipswich Court for Confiscation Hearing

Wayne Clarke appeared in court recently. It was about recovering money from his crimes. Last year, Clarke got a suspended sentence. He admitted to fraud, totaling £161,830. The crimes happened during 2017 and 2018. All his victims lived near Ipswich.

Clarke, age 38, is from Chelmsford. The court postponed the hearing until April 28.

Clarke used business names like Omega Property Services and Eastwood Developments. He took deposits for building materials but didn’t finish the promised work. The court heard this information.

One victim lost £50,000 to Clarke. This person paid for demolition work and materials, but Clarke never delivered them. The victim described great distress. He stated Clarke told many lies, likely exceeding one hundred.

The victim borrowed £100,000 extra to finish the job. They completed the project themselves, lacking experience. Another victim lost £15,000 because of Clarke. He paid Clarke for an extension and kitchen work.

This person trusted Clarke at first, thinking Clarke was similar to him as they had even attended the same school. Tradesmen later demanded payments that Clarke should have already paid them. The court learned Clarke didn’t plan the fraud initially. Poor project management caused problems.