A ROGUE trader who falsely claimed he was an approved electrician has been successfully prosecuted for fraud by Borough of Poole trading standards.

Stephen Clark, 51, of Nelson Road, Branksome, pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates Court to three counts under the Fraud Act and two additional charges in relation to consumer protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The offences related to work undertaken by him at three homes, two in Poole and one in Lytchett Matravers between April 2011 and March 2013.

In each case Mr Clark falsely claimed that he was an approved electrician in order to meet building control regulations, the court was told.

His customers then had to get further repairs carried out by approved traders who were able to certify their work, said Borough of Poole.

On two occasions he is said to have issued worthless certificates and failed to provide his customers with the proper paperwork, including a right to cancel.

Andy Shimmen, Poole trading standards officer said: “This is a clear case of a trader willing to exploit the trust of his customers for his own profit.”

He is due to appear for sentencing on August 12.