A deceitful construction worker who abandoned a project meant for two disabled children was apprehended reveling with the embezzled money in a nightclub.
Jason Brice, aged 46, managed to elude the family and the authorities until the victims, Jaime and Noah Fagan, spotted images of him enjoying himself at Popworld and flaunting stacks of cash at a bingo event. Armed with this information, Jaime informed the police, leading to Brice’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment for eight months.
Expressing her dismay, Jaime, 46, stated, “We thought we had conducted thorough research; he had a legitimate company and provided references. Unfortunately, it was all a facade that we failed to see at the time.”
The Fagans had enlisted Brice’s services after refinancing their home to construct a loft extension for their two sons with special needs. However, Brice vanished with their funds, citing personal issues, leaving the project incomplete with a leaking roof in a substandard condition.
Following the discovery of the incriminating photos on social media, Jaime and Noah alerted the authorities, who initially deemed it a civil matter. Nevertheless, Trading Standards intervened, uncovering two additional victims. Brice was subsequently sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.
During his arrest, Brice, trading as Creo Creations, protested, “Do I really deserve prison?” to which the judge bluntly replied, “Yes.”
Jaime, a mother of two from Bristol, remarked, “His response to the imprisonment demonstrates his lack of remorse and denial of any wrongdoing.”
The Fagans were left approximately £36,000 poorer with unfinished work when Brice absconded. It was later revealed that two other families suffered similar fates due to Brice’s actions.
Their project aimed to include a specialized bathroom and a spare room to cater to their sons’ needs, anticipating future care requirements. Despite the envisioned loft extension to support their sons’ independence, Brice’s departure and deception left the project in disarray.
Expressing her frustration, Jaime emphasized, “He exploited our vulnerabilities for personal gain, leaving us in a dire situation.”
Brice, hailing from Bristol, confessed to three violations under Consumer Protection laws.
