Operation Fable and Operation Harmonica uncovered a complex web of illegal activity involving a fraudulent vehicle repair businesses operated by Woods across Kent and beyond.
On 31 March 2025, Woods appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
This first prosecution followed Op Fable which Trading Standards took forward after receiving over 100 complaints dating back to March 2019, involving multiple companies advertising gearbox repair services.
Consumers were misled into paying upfront for work that was either never completed or done to a substandard level. Investigations revealed Woods used aliases, operated under disqualified status, and employed aggressive and deceptive commercial practices.
Despite receiving detailed advice from Trading Standards prior to the prosecution, Woods continued trading under his wife’s name, showing blatant disregard for legal obligations.
Subsequently, Woods was prosecuted again under Operation Harmonica, with charges relating to his involvement in Harman Garage Services Limited, registered in October 2023. Though the company was fronted by another individual, Woods was found to be the controlling mind - handling customer communications, vehicle collections, and financial transactions.
Miss Recorder Bignell KC sentenced Woods to two years’ imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court on 9 January 2026, noting that the victims represented only a fraction of over 100 complaints.
The court recognised that Woods abused consumer trust by providing false details to conceal prior complaints and attract business, causing serious harm to the industry and eroding confidence in legitimate businesses. Despite Woods claiming his actions were “silly mistakes”, the judge called this “a remarkable understatement”, stating the offences followed a consistent pattern driven by financial gain and a wilful disregard for the law. The impact on complainants was described as “dreadful on some, serious on all”.
Complaints mirrored previous patterns:
- vehicles were collected and not returned
- repairs were either not done or poorly done
- refunds were promised but never issued
Woods admitted to using a false name and acknowledged his central role in the business during interviews under caution.
Both prosecutions highlighted Woods’ repeated use of misleading advertising, false representations, and concealment of material information. He operated through a series of companies, often registered in others’ names, to evade detection and continue defrauding consumers.
Investigations also revealed that Woods drove customers’ vehicles without permission, supported by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) evidence and consumer statements, further exacerbating the harm caused.
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent Trading Standards, said: “These prosecutions demonstrate our commitment to protecting consumers from persistent and calculated fraud.
"Woods was warned about his trading practices and was provided detailed advice which he chose to ignore. His actions caused significant financial and emotional harm to many individuals and we will continue to pursue those who exploit others through dishonest trading practices.”
“Protecting consumers and upholding fair trading practices is a priority for us”
KCC Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Paul Webb, said: “This case sends a clear message that fraudulent behaviour will not be tolerated in Kent. Woods’ actions caused real distress to residents who trusted him with their vehicles and their money.
“I commend the Trading Standards team for their thorough investigation and determination in bringing this individual to justice. Protecting consumers and upholding fair trading practices is a priority for us and we will continue to support efforts that safeguard our communities.”
