A man who defrauded consumers of over £93,000 has been sentenced to over three years’ imprisonment (on 2 June 2026) at York Crown Court.
Glenn Taylor, aged 68 of Barton Court Avenue, Barton-on-Sea, previously pleaded guilty to trading fraudulently.
Mr Recorder Enoch KC told Mr Taylor that he lied to consumers so that he could take large deposits for his own end. His response to consumers who tried to pursue their money was described as ‘emotional blackmail’. Mr Taylor was sentenced to jail for three years and four months and was ordered to pay compensation of £10,000.
Between 1 February 2021 and 7 March 2022, Mr Taylor lived in Howden, East Yorkshire and operated as SGT Trade Windows and SGT Conservatories. He offered replacement windows, doors, conservatories and building work.
His customers were asked to pay big deposits and were told both businesses were CERTASS-registered and belonged to an insurance-backed scheme that would offer them protection. No such protection was in place. After paying deposits, some consumers had no work at all whilst others received minimal, and often poor-quality work.
Mr Taylor continually misled his customers for months as to when work would start, or when it would be completed. He used a variety of excuses ranging from his health to supplier issues.
Eventually a letter was sent to his customers informing them that both businesses had ceased trading. Mr Taylor later filed for bankruptcy.
One couple from Hull had paid a £12,400 deposit of a £17,400 contract for a new extension and kitchen. Mr Taylor had told them that the ‘Home Pro’ insurance he offered would cover everything, should anything go wrong. The contract carried logos of two schemes claiming to offer customer protection.
After chasing Mr Taylor for several months to find out when work would start, the couple found that the business had closed. They were unable to recoup their deposit via the insurance scheme as promised.
This was among several complaints about Mr Taylor that were sent to Trading Standards.
The National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team, based at City of York Council, investigated Mr Taylor’s activities and their impact. They took witness statements from 16 consumers who had lost of a total of £93,409.
The investigators found that when money was taken from consumers with the promise of work, both SGT Trade Windows and SGT Conservatories businesses were already significantly overdrawn. The investigators revealed that customers’ deposits were used to pay business debts and outstanding wages.
They also found that Mr Taylor was bankrupt twice before and had previously been prosecuted for similar fraudulent activities in 2004.
Mr Taylor pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act 2006, when he appeared before York Crown Court on 27 April 2026.
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, said:
"Saving up to improve a home, then finding a suitable company and entering into a contract with them is a big commitment.
“Mr Taylor deliberately misled consumers who placed their trust in him; he took money for work he wasn’t able to start, let alone complete, and he left them with considerable losses and disappointment. This sentence highlights that traders who flout the law will face significant consequences.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:
"This was a calculated fraud that exploited homeowners who were trying to improve their properties. Victims handed over substantial sums on the back of false assurances about insurance protection and were told repeated lies about when work would begin or be completed.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the offending and should serve as a warning that those who deliberately deceive consumers for financial gain will be held to account. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a misleading or fraudulent trader should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.”