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A Wallasey builder who is accused of fraudulently scamming his neighbour out of hundreds of thousands of pounds will be asked to enter a plea later this month.
As reported by Birkenhead News, William Harrington, of Linksway in Wallasey, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, 3 August.
Harrington is facing multiple charges brought forward by Wirral Council on behalf of a neighbour, Helen McGee.
Harrington is charged with having committed fraud by "dishonestly making a false representation" relating to a quote for home improvement works. He is accused of quoting £220,000 for works which would cost a fraction less - at around £155,555, if performed to a high standard.
On 4 May last year, he is also charged with committing fraud again by "dishonestly failing to disclose" information to Ms McGee when entering into a contract for home improvement works to an agreed value of approximately £172,200. Charges against him allege he didn't give the notice of her right to cancel the contract within two weeks.
A further charge from June 2025 alleges that Harrington committed fraud by failing to disclose information when entering into a contract for further works valued at £47,800.
A further charge alleges that in June 2025, Harrington committed fraud by failing to disclose information when entering into a contract for additional works valued at approximately £47,800.
Between May and December last year, it is alleged Harrington "knowingly or recklessly engaged in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence".
He is also facing further charges under unfair trading regulations, with a further three relating to the alleged failure to provide Ms McGee with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. 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 aggressive commercial practices. He is accused of making an oral representation during a telephone call to Ms McGee where he allegedly said work would cease unless a final payment of £10,000 was made, "through the use of harassment, coercion or undue influence".
Harrington, who spoke only to confirm his identity, will be asked to enter a plea on 28 August. He previously pleaded not guilty at the magistrates' court and was granted unconditional bail until his next appearance.
A trial date has been set for 21 June 2027 and is expected to last between eight and 10 days.
