UPDATE: A notorious cowboy builder, Martin Ritchie, 35, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding a couple out of £151,260 in a shocking scheme that left them without their dream home. The verdict was handed down today at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where the judge condemned Ritchie’s actions as “deplorable and dishonest.”
Ritchie was hired to renovate a bungalow in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, after being praised as a “superstar builder.” However, between May and July 2021, he performed little to no work on the property, instead squandering the funds on a lavish lifestyle that included purchasing a boat and luxury shopping sprees.
The couple, devastated by the betrayal, were forced to pay for rented accommodation at a cost of £800 per month while seeking a reputable builder to finish the project. The emotional toll was evident as the homeowner described feeling “devastated” and expressed that the situation turned their dream into a “living nightmare.”
During the trial, it was revealed that Ritchie had also defrauded another couple of £9,202 by failing to deliver a promised kitchen installation. Evidence presented showed that despite receiving significant payments, Ritchie’s company, RPM, had only £394 left in its account by August 2021.
Sheriff Paul Reid emphasized the impact of Ritchie’s fraud, noting the despair experienced by the victims as detailed in their impact statements. The court heard how the couple’s dreams of a forever home were shattered, with the husband stating, “This was going to be our forever home,” as he fought back tears.
Ritchie’s partner and company secretary, Monique Nesbitt, faced scrutiny during the trial regarding the financial activities of the business. Despite claims of being unaware, the evidence suggested the funds were used primarily to enhance Ritchie’s personal lifestyle rather than fulfill contractual obligations.
In a chilling statement, prosecutor Darren Harty declared, “He took victims’ money, made promises that he had no intention of fulfilling, and walked away,” highlighting the long-term consequences of Ritchie’s actions on the victims’ lives.
Following the sentencing, the victims stated, “Justice has been done. He put us through a lot of pain in the last five years.” As Ritchie begins his prison sentence, the couple continues to work part-time in their family business, grappling with the financial fallout.
As the case closes, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks in hiring contractors without proper vetting, urging others to remain vigilant to avoid similar fates. The emotional scars left by Ritchie’s deceit will linger as the victims strive to rebuild their lives after this harrowing experience.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge on the case and its aftermath.
