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A man identified as a “prolific rogue trader” who used his “charm and charisma” to deceive customers has been found guilty of 37 counts of fraud. Mark Killick, also known as Marc Cole and Mark Jenkins, defrauded clients by failing to complete construction projects at various properties across the West of England from December 2019 to November 2021. This is not the first time Killick has faced legal trouble, as he has a history of three previous fraud convictions dating back to 2008. The 56-year-old, residing in Shoe Lane in Paulton, Somerset, was convicted of the charges at Bristol Crown Court after a lengthy three-month trial.
During the trial, it was revealed that Killick splurged on luxury items such as a £25,000 Rolex watch, which he claimed was an asset for his struggling business. The prosecution highlighted Killick’s extravagant spending habits, pointing out his purchases of high-end goods despite his fraudulent activities. Beyond his legal troubles, Killick’s actions have left a trail of dissatisfied customers, with over 100 complaints filed against him to Avon and Somerset Police and Trading Standards between 2019 and 2021. Many individuals had been enticed by the sleek design of Killick’s website for his company, TD Cole.
Despite the guilty verdict on 37 counts of fraud, the jury was unable to reach a decision on eight additional charges against Killick. According to Martyn Nicklin of Bristol Trading Standards, Killick preyed on individuals seeking home renovations by promising dream projects that he frequently left unfinished. Nicklin described Killick as a skilled salesperson who used his charm to deceive and defraud unsuspecting clients. With a sentencing date set for December, the judge has already indicated that a “lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable” for Killick. The defendant has claimed in court that external factors, such as a worker shortage due to the pandemic and England’s success in the Euros championship, hindered his ability to operate honestly
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