The case uncovered a sustained, organised and deliberate course of fraudulent trading, carried out over several years and targeting householders across Kent. The jury heard extensive evidence that this was not a matter of isolated complaints or poor workmanship, but a co‑ordinated fraud operation designed to extract large sums of money from victims while failing to deliver the work promised.
Operating under the names Bespoke Homes (SE) Limited, Advanced Contractors South East Ltd, and Precision Contractors South East Limited, the defendants targeted people in their own homes, pressuring them into agreeing to building and home‑improvement work under false pretences. Victims were routinely persuaded to pay substantial sums up front for work that was unnecessary, overpriced, badly carried out, or never completed at all. In many cases, work stalled soon after payments were made, leaving properties unfinished or abandoned.
Overall losses to victims exceed £1.3million with remedial construction expected to take these losses much higher.
The court heard that many of those targeted were in circumstances that made them particularly susceptible to pressure and false reassurance. That trust was deliberately exploited to secure early and repeated payments. Several victims were left living for prolonged periods in partially dismantled or unsafe homes, with additional and substantial costs required to make their properties habitable again. Independent expert evidence later confirmed that large amounts of the work carried out was substandard and would require significant remedial action.
Financial investigation formed a key part of Operation Engage. The prosecution demonstrated that money taken from victims was not handled transparently through business accounts, but was instead moved and used in ways designed to obscure its origins. This evidence supported the prosecution case that the offending was profit‑driven criminality rather than legitimate trading.
IMAGE: Defendants Jack Sargeant (left) and Samuel O’Hanlon (right)
The jury also heard evidence of aggressive and intimidating behaviour, including conduct intended to undermine witnesses and obstruct the investigation. Victims and others described being challenged, pressured or threatened when attempting to raise concerns or seek explanations, with efforts made to silence complaints and deter cooperation with Trading Standards.
Throughout the trial, multiple victims gave evidence about the serious and lasting impact of the offending. Alongside significant financial losses, many described long‑term anxiety, loss of confidence, and distress about allowing traders into their homes in the future. In some cases, victims required support from family members and other agencies as a result of what they had experienced.
After a trial before His Honour Judge (HHJ) Richards the jury unanimously convicted Samuel O’Hanlon and Jack Sargeant on the 1 April 2026 of the following offences:
- Samuel O’Hanlon for three counts of Fraudulent Trading contrary to the s.993 Companies Act 2006 and one count of Money Laundering contrary to s.327 (Transferring criminal property) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and two counts of Money Laundering contrary to s.329 (Acquiring criminal property) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- Jack Sargeant for one count of Fraudulent Trading contrary to the s.993 Companies Act 2006 and one count of Money Laundering contrary to s.327 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
Samuel O’Hanlon and Jack Sargeant were immediately remanded in custody with the Judge highlighting the ongoing risk they posed to householders and their lack of remorse.
Sentencing both on the 20 May 2026 HHJ Richards made frequent references to the harm caused to their victims. Sentencing the pair HHJ said: “You have caused misery, heartache, poverty and grief on a large scale… a trail of serious financial and emotional harm.
“You used your limited knowledge of building as a platform for the fraudulent extraction of money from a series of clients.
“They were stuck with no way forward and no way back out of the financial nightmare you had created.”
Before sentencing both HHJ Richards said: “I have watched the both of you in court and considered what I have seen against the references. It seems to me you Jack Sargeant realise the harm you caused; in your case Samuel O’Hanlon, I am not confident you have any remorse because you still fail to understand the effect of what you did; you are lacking in empathy”.
O’Hanlon was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and banned from being a Director for 12 years.
Sargent was sentenced to 5yrs 9 months and banned from being a Director for 10 years.
After sentencing the pair the Judge gave credit to the investigations team: “Credit is also due to the team at Kent Trading Standards including the investigator in charge, Mr Bates. His diligence has helped deliver a limited measure of justice to those who fell foul of these defendants”.
Kent Trading Standards praised the courage and resilience of the victims who came forward, supported the investigation, and gave evidence during the trial.
Clive Phillips, Operations Manager for Complex Investigations at Kent Trading Standards, said: “This was a sustained and sophisticated fraud carried out under the guise of legitimate building work. The evidence demonstrated deliberate deception, financial exploitation and a complete disregard for the wellbeing and safety of victims. These guilty verdicts reflect the strength of the investigation and, most importantly, the courage of those victims who spoke out.”
“...this outcome demonstrates Kent County Council’s commitment to holding offenders to account and protecting vulnerable people”
Georgia Foster, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services added: “This case highlights the devastating impact that doorstep crime can have on individuals and families. Residents should feel safe in their own homes, and this outcome demonstrates Kent County Council’s commitment to holding offenders to account and protecting vulnerable people.”
