A rogue builder’s Ponzi scheme has devastated families across Cornwall, leaving homes and gardens in disarray and financial ruin.
Newquay: It’s been a tough time for many families in Cornwall. A rogue builder named Scott Andrew Murray has really messed things up for them. He ran a Ponzi scheme through his company, Icon Landscaping, and took off with their money, leaving their homes and gardens in a total shambles.
Between 2018 and 2023, he promised high-quality landscaping work but never delivered. Instead, he left behind dangerous messes that turned into health hazards. One family even had to redo a £100,000 garden project after the pool he built collapsed. Can you imagine that?
Dan Townley, one of the victims, shared his story. He hired Murray for a £40,000 landscaping job, but after paying a deposit, all he got were excuses and delays. Four weeks in, he had already forked over £20,000, but the work barely started. Now, their garden is a complete disaster.
Dan reached out to Trading Standards and found out he wasn’t alone. Many others had similar experiences with Murray. They all faced the same issues: shoddy work, broken promises, and financial losses. It’s heartbreaking to hear how this has affected families, especially those with kids who just want a safe place to play.
In court, it was revealed that Murray had defrauded people out of around £200,000. He even tried to escape responsibility by liquidating his business and starting a new one, but it didn’t work out. The judge was not impressed and sentenced him to two and a half years in prison.
Judge Carr made it clear that running a business wasn’t for Murray. He took money from one job to pay for another, leaving families in the lurch. The impact of his actions has been devastating, with some victims never getting to enjoy the gardens they dreamed of before passing away.
It’s a tough lesson for everyone involved, and it’s a reminder to be careful when hiring contractors. You never know who might be pulling a fast one.
