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Sutton rogue builder sentenced after defrauding residents out of thousands.
Posted 16 June 2026 | JoTS Online
Content Tags: Updates|Crime|South West
UPDATES: Two Sutton businesses have landed in serious trouble after investigations uncovered shocking allegations. A rogue builder left residents with ruined driveways, unfinished homes and thousands in losses, while a local minimarket faced losing its alcohol licence amid claims involving sales to minors and illicit goods ...
A rogue builder who targeted residents in Sutton and neighbouring boroughs was sentenced at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on 16th June 2026 after leaving a trail of ruined homes and unfulfilled promises.
Sokol Cela, who owns CSS Paving Design Limited, pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay over £31,000 in compensation, costs, and surcharges.
Cela’s offences involved demanding victims pay upfront deposits to secure his availability. Once hired, he would frequently begin work by breaking up driveways, patios, or homes, leaving residents in sometimes dangerous situations.
He would then pressure victims for more money, falsely claiming it was needed for materials. Cela would send WhatsApp and text messages, as well as videos claiming to show the purchases. However, as soon as the funds were transferred, Cela disappeared, leaving the work incomplete and the materials undelivered. Mr. Cela was handed the following sentence:
- 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years
- Two years of supervision to undertake 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity
- £20,830 in victim compensation
- £10,181 in prosecution costs
- £187 victim surcharge
A strict deadline of 16 September 2026 has been set for Mr Cela to pay the total sum of £31,198.
Councillor Jake Short, Chair of Housing, Economy and Business Committee said: “Sutton Council is committed to protecting its residents from rogue traders who prey on the community. This successful prosecution serves as a stark warning to dishonest contractors that fraudulent behavior will not be tolerated.”
Residents are advised to always thoroughly vet contractors, avoid paying large deposits upfront, and report any suspicious trading practices to Trading Standards.”
If you have a problem with a trader you have hired to do work on your property you can call the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for free advice on your consumer rights. They also have information on how to choose a trustworthy tradesperson on their website.
ALSO
A Sutton Minimarket St Peter News had its alcohol licence revoked pending appeal following a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on 16th June 2026. The hearing considered allegations of many reports of selling vapes and alcohol to minors. These followed 3 inspections over a number of years where illicit vapes and non-duty-paid alcohol were found on the premises for supply. One of the last inspections in 2026 found over 40 miniature bottles of spirits destined for an airline in the shop; the director claimed they were for his own personal use.
PLEASE NOTE: This content originally appeared on our standalone Journal of Trading Standards website (www.journaloftradingstandards.co.uk), which we are gradually migrating over to the Journal's new home on the CTSI website. Please bear with us while we complete this process. This will not affect the production of our Print Edition.
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Content Tags: Updates|Crime|South West
