For many homeowners across the Northeast, James Bell seemed like a reliable builder who could help with urgent home improvements. For some, these improvements were essential, adapting a property for health needs or making everyday life more manageable. What they found instead was deception and unfinished work, leaving families both financially and emotionally strained.
Theft of £10k Kitchen Renovation
One of Bell’s victims, a 71-year-old homeowner near Appleby, placed her trust in him when she found her £11,000 dream kitchen. Bell promised to save her 10% through his trade account and complete the work for £10,000. Instead, he disappeared with the money, leaving the kitchen incomplete and her home in limbo.
The Toll of the Theft
After Bell vanished, the homeowner was forced to spend a further £11,000 to have the work completed by another contractor. The consequences however extended far beyond the financial loss.
Referencing the victim’s personal statement, Judge Bindloss told the court:
“She had to live in a tent for three months and developed bronchitis. Her savings have gone; she’s living on her pension and she’s thinking of taking on a job.
She went to the police, but they didn’t take on her complaint. She considered going to the county court but there were 11 judgments against you, so she decided to take out this private prosecution against you. Her victim personal statement makes for moving reading.”
When the System Couldn’t Help
Determined to seek justice, the homeowner pursued every available avenue. After being turned away by the police, Action Fraud, and her local Trading Standards department, she instructed James Pritchard from Watson Woodhouse Solicitors to pursue a private prosecution. Private prosecutions offer a vital route to justice when public authorities are unable or unwilling to act.
Justice Achieved
During the case it came to light that Northumberland County Council Trading Standards team were also prosecuting Bell for dozens of similar complaints. Joining forces and working in tandem with Northumberland County Council, Bell was brought before the Court. Bell was found guilty of five counts of fraud, one count of theft, and one Bail Act offence. The court heard he had taken deposits for 30 projects across the Northeast, defrauding homeowners of £130,913 in total. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
James Pritchard, Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, stated
“I am extremely proud that my team and I were able to play a part in achieving this fantastic outcome. My client had exhausted every other possible avenue for justice. Bell turned what should have been her dream home into a nightmare. She knew his actions were wrong but had hit a brick wall seeking help from the police, Action Fraud, and even her local Trading Standards team, despite it transpiring that there was a large-scale investigation into him taking place just across the county border! I am glad that she turned to my team, and through pure tenacity that Bell was eventually brought to justice.”
Supporting Access to Justice
When public authorities are stretched or unable to act, many people are left without answers or support. Private prosecutions offer a powerful route to justice when the system falls short. If you believe you have a case, contact our team today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.