A thieving builder whose workmanship was deemed dangerous has been punished – and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

James Reilly, 27, was due to carry out work at customer Beverley Goacher’s home in Hove.

But in an attempt to cheat her out of money he told her £1,200 she had paid him towards the work had been stolen.

This was a lie – something police realised when he did report any such crime.

Reilly, who admitted an offence of theft in February, also admitted two charges of making false claims about his professional qualifications and experience on his website.

He pleaded guilty to another charge relating to sub-standard work.

The awfulness of his work was demonstrated when another builder came and was able to demolish the entire porch with his hand. Mike Finch, fair trading officer for Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Not only did this rogue trader fail to complete the project the customer had paid for, but his shoddy workmanship actually put her in danger.”

Reilly has now signed an agreement which is designed to protect the consumer from any future sub standard work. Breaching the agreement could result in contempt of court proceedings Reilly, of Mansfield Road, Bognor, was also ordered to pay £1,200 to Ms Goacher and £500 towards court costs.