Roofer who botched jobs in compensation claim

A roofer who is facing jail for botching jobs at homes across the region has filed a compensation claim against a Wolverhampton vehicle hire firm – after working there and falling from the roof.

Steven Bettles is seeking a payout from TCH on Penn Road after he fell from its building last year. He claimed the fall caused him amnesia.

The firm's owner Jas Sanghera handed over £3,500 to Bettles for the work. But the 53-year-old claims the roof has leaked since the job was competed by Bettles, under the firm All Surface Protection.

Mr Sanghera said: "The compensation claim is a real kick in the teeth and has had a big knock-on effect on my business. The insurance premium has gone through the roof because of this claim. I've had quotes for the work that needs doing and I'm looking at more than double what I paid originally. I just want this sorted. Steven Bettles won't face me."

Bettles, 56, of Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, has instructed Active Legal solicitors to proceed with a claim against TCH because scaffolding was not in place at the time of the fall in July.

A letter sent by solicitors to the company says that Bettles was installing waterproof fibre glass when he lost his footing and fell, causing him to sustain "serious injuries".

Mr Sanghera, who employs about 10 people at his site on the Penn Road, said he did not believe a claim should be allowed.

Days ago Bettles admitted botching work on three houses and a children's centre in his own street, causing £10,000 of damage.

He claimed he lost his memory after falling from TCH in July 2011 and did not recall the job.

He carried out work at homes in Bhylls Lane, Merry Hill, Hilary Drive, Merry Hill, and in St Michael's Road, Rugeley, with homeowners paying about £3,000, and the Windmill Lane Children's Centre where he caused £7,500 worth of damage

He admitted nine allegations of unfair trading, two of taking part in the promotion, formation or management of Advanced Rooflines Ltd and All Surface Protection Ltd while an undischarged bankrupt, and two of misleading marketing. Wolverhampton magistrates heard the offences were committed between March 2009 and May 2010.