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A Wallasey builder accused of fraudulently scamming his neighbour out of hundreds of thousands of pounds for home improvement works has pleaded not guilty to all charges he faces.
As reported by Birkenhead News, William Harrington, of Linksway in Wallasey, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, where he denied 16 charges. He entered not guilty as each charge against him was read out.
Charges were brought forward by Wirral Council on behalf of Harrington's neighbour, Helen McGee. Harrington is accused of having "dishonestly made a false representation" relating to a quote for home improvement works.
Prosecutors allege he quoted a total charge of £220,000 for works at Ms McGee's address which were subsequently valued at approximately £155,555 if performed to a good compliant standard. He is accused of intending to make a gain of £220,000 for himself.
Last year on May 4, Harrington is also alleged to have engaged in commercial practice "which, by omission, was misleading" as a trader. On the same date, he is charged with having "committed fraud in that [he] dishonestly failed to disclose" information to Ms McGee when entering into a contract worth approximately £172,200.
More charges allege Mr Harrington failed to give Ms. McGee notice of her right to cancel the contract within two weeks of when it was made.
Further charges allege that in June 2025, Harrington engaged in "a commercial practice which is a misleading omission" and committed fraud by failing to disclose information when entering into an additional contract worth approximately £47,800.
Between May and December 2025, it is alleged Harrington "knowingly or recklessly engaged in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence".
Three charges relate to an alleged failure to provide Ms McGee with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Prosecutors say this "caused or was likely to cause the average consumer to take a transactional decision they would not have taken otherwise".
He is also accused of failing to provide information requested about the progress, costs, payments and completion certifications for the works.
Two further charges accuse Harrington of engaging in "a commercial practice which was aggressive". He allegedly made an oral representation during a telephone call to Ms McGee where he said work at her address would cease unless a final payment of £10,000 was made, "through the use of harassment, coercion or undue influence".
His trial is set for 21 June 2027 and is expected to last between eight and 10 days. Harrington was granted unconditional bail until his next appearance in June next year.
