A ‘heartless’ Preston trader who defrauded homeowners across the region has been jailed for 10 years – but he is on the run with a warrant out for his arrest.
Steven Lee Junior, 39, of Rosemary Lane, Bartle, Preston, traded under the names Drysky Property Services and Dedicated Roofing Solutions. He was sentenced in his absence at Preston Crown Court on 5 June 2025 after pleading guilty to multiple frauds and a consumer protection offence.
Junior admitted to eight offences under the Fraud Act 2006 (fraud by false representation) and one offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (engaging in an aggressive commercial practice). The sentencing took into account offences committed against eight victims across the North West.
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Offences were investigated by by Stockport Trading Standards, Lancashire Police, and Halton Trading Standards.
Guilty pleas were entered in advance of trial to eight of the nine charges. A final guilty plea to the remaining fraud offence – relating to a loss of £118,000 – was entered on the day the trial was due to commence.
A Lancashire Police investigation also identified Eli Young, a cousin of Steven Lee Junior, who was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for his role in defrauding three of the victims.
Judge Unsworth described the offending as “deliberate, planned and heartless.” He said that victims were targeted for unnecessary, substandard or incomplete property work and many were vulnerable. The court also heard that the offences were committed whilst he was on licence and that he had previous convictions.
Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Public Protection at Stockport Council, said: “This case highlights the vital role of Trading Standards in protecting residents from unscrupulous traders.
“We are pleased that the courts have recognised the severity of this offending and hope the sentence sends a clear message that this kind of rogue trading will not be tolerated. Individuals involved in this type of offending can expect to find themselves under investigation, before the courts and with criminal convictions.”
“These types of crimes have a detrimental impact on the victims long after they are committed and I hope they gain some small comfort from the sentencing.”
Steven Lee’s whereabouts are currently unknown, and a warrant is out for his arrest.
Anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting log reference 996 of the 16th January 2025.
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