Ipswich plumber Grant Philips jailed for defrauding elderly of £30,000

IPSWICH PLUMBER GRANT PHILIPS JAILED FOR DEFRAUDING ELDERLY OF £30,000

A Suffolk rogue trader who targeted the elderly has been jailed after defrauding customers of more than £30,000.

Grant Philips, previously of Bath Road, Felixstowe, but now of Heron Road, Ipswich, was sentenced to 26 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court today.

Some of the victims were elderly and had commissioned Philips to improve the accessibility of their bathrooms.

They paid Philips for projects, with them not being completed or substandard and requiring expensive remedial work.

He was prosecuted by Suffolk Trading Standards after customers complained to the Citizens Advice Helpline and Action Fraud.

Between April 2021 and October 2023 he took more than £30,000, with more than £20,000 still outstanding.

During this time, he traded as Superdry Plumbing & Drainage, Rhino Plumb and Plumb Fix, and operated around East Anglia.

The losses to the twelve customers ranged from 200 to more than 4,400.

Philips had previously admitted at Ipswich Magistrates Court in 2024 to fraudulent trading contrary to Section 9 of the Fraud Act 2006, trading fraudulently by failing to provide materials for work or not completing projects.

One of the victims said: "This experience has been traumatic and has left lasting damage on my ability to trust others.

When I first invited Grant Phillips into my home, I did so with a heart full of trust and confidence.

I believed in his qualifications and skills, and I entrusted him.

Unfortunately, my trust was shattered." "The financial implications of Grant Phillips' deceit were huge.

The actions of Grant Phillips have profoundly affected every aspect of my life.

He has cast a shadow of fear and distrust over my interactions with tradespeople and others."