A rogue trader who defrauded homeowners in Stockport and the North West has been sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Steven Lee Junior - age 39 from Rosemary Lane, Preston - pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by false representation, and one of engaging in an aggressive commercial practice.

He was sentenced in absence at Preston Crown Court - his whereabouts are currently unknown and there is a warrant for his arrest.

During sentencing, His Honour Judge Unsworth described the offending as "deliberate, planned and heartless." He noted that victims were targeted for unnecessary, substandard or incomplete property work and many were vulnerable.

Three of the victims were from Stockport.

Lee had traded under the names Drysky Property Services and Dedicated Roofing Solutions.

An investigation was carried out by Stockport Trading Standards, Lancashire Police and Halton Trading Standards to bring Lee to justice.

The Lancashire Police investigation also identified Eli Young, a cousin of Steven Lee Junior, who was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for his role in defrauding three of the victims.

Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Public Protection at Stockport Council, said: "This case highlights the vital role of Trading Standards in protecting residents from unscrupulous traders.

"We are pleased that the courts have recognised the severity of this offending and hope the sentence sends a clear message that this kind of rogue trading will not be tolerated.

"Individuals involved in this type of offending can expect to find themselves under investigation, before the courts and with criminal convictions."

"These types of crimes have a detrimental impact on the victims long after they are committed and I hope they gain some small comfort from the sentencing."

Anybody with information on Lee's whereabouts is asked to contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting log reference 996 of 16 January 2025.