Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider WED 11TH JUN 2025    4:58:24 AM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Back To Top
Caithness.Org Quick Links
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Feed 2.0 Loading...

Prison sentences for three convicted rogue traders in Highland

4th October 2014

Three brothers from Inverness were jailed for a total of five-and-a-half years at Dingwall Sheriff Court on Thursday 2 October 2014 for doorstep crime offences, defrauding people in their own homes.

James Johnstone (42) pled guilty to charges of extortion, fraud and theft. Peter Johnstone (30) and William Johnstone (35), from Inverness both pled guilty to charges of fraud. The convictions follow a joint investigation over several months led by Police Scotland and involving Highland Council Trading Standards that was initiated after a number of complaints about the activities of the brothers had been received by both organisations.

During the investigations it emerged that the three brothers offered property maintenance services under a variety of trading names including Johnstone Property Maintenance. Their modus operanda also appeared to be designed to frustrate detection sometimes apparently leaving the area for several months at a time. Cold calling unsuspecting householders they would be persistent and persuasive, preying on any perceived vulnerability of those they targeted. In the aftermath of their work surveyors' reports confirmed that either: no repairs were carried out by them or; if there was work done it was minor and substandard often causing further damage to the properties.

Gordon Robb, Highland Council's Trading Standards Manage, said: "Doorstep crime can take many forms and it is often difficult to understand what is meant by bogus workmen or rogue trading. This case is a classic example of this sort of behaviour and one which clearly identifies why consumer protection law has been strengthened in recent years to ensure that the public are given greater protection from aggressive or unfair trading practices, are provided with clear information about any work that they may agree to have done and any cancellation rights they may have.

"This kind of Doorstep Crime can affect anyone if they are not on their guard, but older or vulnerable adults are definitely more at risk from becoming victims. Highland Council Trading Standards has a robust enforcement policy when it comes to this type of crime and will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and other partner agencies to combat it."

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chairman of Highland Council Planning, Development and Infrastructure Committee, acknowledging the conviction said: “It's deplorable that anyone could knock on the door of someone, particularly someone who is vulnerable or elderly, lie to them and steal their money in this way.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks that they, their family or a member of their community has been targeted in this way reports it. It is only when we know about a problem that we can attempt to do something about it. The custodial sentence handed down by the Sheriff in this case, although considered by some to be too lenient is still a very welcome outcome and hopefully one that will deter others who choose to prey on the old and vulnerable."
Anyone with concerns about Doorstep Crime can contact the Police on 101 or Trading Standards, The Highland Council, 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) no need to make an appointment; phone: 01463 228700 or email: trading.standards[AT]highland.gov.uk

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

8/6/2025
Applications open for Education Maintenance Allowance 2025/26 - £30 per week Apply now
All eligible young people are being encouraged to apply for a weekly, term time allowance of £30 per week from August 2025.   The Highland Council administers Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in respect of eligible young people from across its 29 secondary schools.  
7/6/2025
Support secured for LGBT Veterans
Legislation has been amended to ensure veterans who receive a payment from the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme do not lose out on council tax support.   More than 1,200 people in Scotland who served under and suffered from the ban on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) personnel serving in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 have applied to the UK Government for compensation so far.  
5/6/2025
Integrated Children Services Planning Board - Annual Update
At the Education Committee of Highland Council on Wednesday 4 June, Members were presented with the Integrated Children Services Plan Annual Report 2024/25.   The Integrated Children's Service’s work continues as it enters the 3rd year of the delivery of the Integrated Children’s Service Plan.  
5/6/2025
Education update and positive destinations for our school leavers
The Highland Council, Education Committee met today (Wednesday 4 June 2025) and received a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the Education and Learning Service.  It included positive school leaver destinations and an update on the refreshed attainment strategy and the Education and Learning management restructure.  
5/6/2025
Expanding opportunities to learn Gaelic at school
Tha comhairlichean Chomhairle na Gàidhealtachd air fàilte a chur air an obair ionmholta a thathar a' dèanamh gus cothroman a leudachadh do luchd-ionnsachaidh òga na Gàidhlig.   Aig coinneamh Chomataidh na Gàidhlig an-diugh (Diciadain 4 Ògmhios) chaidh an obair leasachaidh a thathar a’ dèanamh aig Bun-Sgoil Bhaile an Fhraoich ann an Inbhir Nis a chomharrachadh mar dheagh eisimpleir de bhith a’ cruthachadh "spiorad mhath is ion-ghabhaltach airson na Gàidhlig thar na sgoile".  
5/6/2025
Dedicated road marking team mobilised throughout the HighlandsThumbnail for article : Dedicated road marking team mobilised throughout the Highlands
Highland Council's dedicated road marking team has been fully mobilised to carry out road marking across the Highland region.  Finally after many years of depending on contractors from the south a Highland council team will be able to get on with the work regularly as weather allows.  
4/6/2025
New Seasonal Access Rangers start across Highland
Last weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's, new Seasonal Access Ranger team.  The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.  
3/6/2025
Food in Schools project surveys underway - Help Stop Waste and reduce costs
The Highland Council's ‘Food in Schools' project is a key component of the Council’s Delivery Plan and the Redesign Board Chaired by the Convener of the Council - Councillor Bill Lobban has launched a range of surveys to better understand the various components of food provision in school settings.   The surveys will be issued by Head Teachers, on behalf of the Food in Schools project team, to current pupils (P1-S6), parents and carers, teachers and non-teaching staff (e.g.  
3/6/2025
Applications Now Open for Highland Council's Strategic Events Grant
Applications Now Open for Highland Council's Strategic Events Grant.   The Highland Council is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Strategic Events Grant Fund, a £75,000 initiative designed to support the region's dynamic events sector and strengthen the local economy during the quieter shoulder and off-season months.  
2/6/2025
The Highland Council to trial ballot paper overlay to make voting more accessible Thumbnail for article : The Highland Council to trial ballot paper overlay to make voting more accessible
In a recent survey of blind and partially sighted people, only a quarter feel that the current system allows them to vote independently and in secret.  We want to change that.