Kerry builder quoted €1k for roofing repair but charged householder more than €7k for job

Accused showed remorse by paying back the full amount and a further sum on top, court heard

Court heard it was first agreed the work would cost €1,150 but accused told householder additional payments would have to be paid until the total cash paid over amounted to €7,600. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A builder who first quoted €1,150 for a roofing repair went on to charge €7,600 and now he has been given a two-year suspended jail term.

Judge Helen Boyle said that in fairness to the accused man Patrick O’Sullivan, 30, with an address at 148 Ballyspillane, Killarney, Co Kerry, he had shown remorse in the most meaningful way by paying back the full amount and a further sum on top.