Bankruptcy- are there any consequences after 12 months or is he scott free?

[Teacakeorbap]

Hi All,

We were unfortunately the victims of a rogue builder in late 2022/2023. He was hired for a relatively small job but quite a specialised heritage job he claimed he was extremely experienced in. We did a lot of research before hiring him but it still turned in to a nightmare.He trashed our house, disappeared with the deposit, became threatening, took supplies purchased with our money and used them elsewhere and made repeated demands for money.

We tried to manage him but he then sued me (just me, not my partner) for more than the value of the original quote. We calculated he’d completed less than a quarter of the work and we’d already paid for 50%.

Suffice to say the court found in my favour, the judge gave him a dressing down and he was ordered to pay me almost £5k. He admitted in court and on record that he was requesting money from us with no intention to do any of the work! Two months later he declared bankruptcy. The insolvency contact said there was pretty much no chance I would get any money back despite him posting lucrative jobs on his Instagram (which I sent to them).

I was told this week he’d set up a new limited company and he’s the director, and checking the insolvency website it appears his bankruptcy was discharged 12 months after listing in January. He set up the company 20 days later.

Does anyone know, is that it for him? No more consequences from the bankruptcy? He didn’t own anything so didn’t have to sell a house/car etc so it feels like he’s got away with it all Scott free.

Not much. We had similar. Never had a penny back from the 'win' at small claims, he's still in business albeit under a different guise. We bump.into.each other every now and then

Yes, I think that's it. Bankruptcy wipes the slate clean for him.

Also a limited company protects an individual from losing everything if their business fails.

Whether a sole trader or company, there's obviously knock on effects for creditors and can be exploited by the unscrupulous.

If he does it repeatedly at some point he might be banned from becoming a director for a period but if he's that way inclined, he'll just start another company that on paper is owned by his wife, brother, pet hamster etc.

@Barrenfieldoffucks @Bjorkdidit thanks for your responses.

I can’t believe how easy it was for him to get away with this. It wasn’t like he defaulted on loans from big companies, it was people like me who ended up out of pocket. It’s disgraceful.

So is he still required to pay any money back if he’s in a position to do it? My father in law was bankrupt years ago and couldn’t earn a lot for 10 years until his slate was wiped clean. Have the rules changed? 12 months is nothing.

This builder has also joined the Guild of Master Craftsmen for the “heritage” work he does so I’m tempted to phone them and send them the link to the court case.