Sheffield rogue trader who scammed customer out of £36k banned from painting & decorating
Lucien Carter walked away from court with a suspended sentence
A rogue painter and decorator who scammed a Sheffield resident out of more than £36,000 has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from carrying out building or decorating work.
Scammer Lucien (Luke) Carter, trading as Carter Quality Painters and Decorators, fraudulently took £36,307 from a Sheffield resident for work that was largely never completed, following which his room was left unusable.
Sheffield Crown Court heard how Carter used false company details to gain the customer’s trust, providing paperwork that included a fake business address and making repeated claims that upfront payments were needed to secure materials.
Minimal work was carried out, and he reinforced his deception by arranging for a carpet fitter to visit the property to measure up and discuss options with the customer.
When Carter later requested payment for the carpet, the customer reasonably believed it had been ordered. However, no order was ever placed.
Despite repeatedly promising start dates, delivery schedules and completion deadlines, Carter eventually stopped communicating with the customer.
In addition to his suspended sentence, Carter has also been made the subject of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which places strict limits on his activities.
The order prevents him from operating as a sole trader in decorating, property improvements, repairs or maintenance at residential properties, and bans him from cold calling at people’s homes.
CBOs are used as a tool used to disrupt repeat offenders and protect the public by imposing clear restrictions on their activities.
Speaking after Carter’s sentencing hearing, Richard Eyre, Director of Street Scene and Regulations Services at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s important for residents to see that justice is being done. Taking firm action against dishonest traders is essential, and this case demonstrates that those who seek to exploit people in their own homes will be held accountable.
“This is another strong outcome thanks to the work of the Trading Standards team, who continue to protect residents from harm and disruption caused by rogue traders.”
A spokesperson for the council’s Trading Standards team added: “Carter is a persistent offender. This is the third successful prosecution brought against him by Trading Standards.
"He was previously prosecuted in 2016 and again in 2024, when he pleaded guilty to seven fraud offences for similar conduct. The offences in this case were committed while Carter was already going through court proceedings for earlier frauds.”
The spokesperson said the council continues to receive high volumes of complaints about substandard work, particularly in areas such as roofing, paving, garden services, home insulation and general building work.
In many cases, traders present themselves as legitimate businesses, including through professional-looking websites, but do not deliver on what they promise.
Mr Eyre added:“The impact of this type of offending can be significant. Work is often left unfinished, carried out to a poor standard, or in some cases not started at all despite large sums of money being paid. Victims can be left facing additional costs to fix or complete the work, often carried out by individuals with no formal training or insurance.
“While there are many honest and reputable traders operating in Sheffield, unfortunately there are some who are not who they claim to be.
“If you are searching for a trader online, take the time to do your research. Look beyond appearances and question anything that seems unusual or too good to be true, because it often is.
“And if you have been misled or let down, remember this can happen to anyone. There is no shame in reporting it. Our Trading Standards officers rely on this information to build cases and prevent others from becoming victims.”
Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and to carry out checks before agreeing to any work or handing over money.
The council has issued warnings as part of its Council’s Rogue Traders Week campaign and its “Not Born Yesterday” initiative, which aim to raise awareness and prevent fraud.
It has also shared key steps to follow, as urges residents to take a cautious and informed approach to reduce the risk of falling victim to rogue traders.
Key steps to follow:
- Check whether a business is registered with Companies House
- Verify any claimed memberships of trade associations
- Search for independent reviews.
- Get multiple quotes and secure written agreements
- Keep records of all communications
The council adds that residents should be wary of traders who insist on immediate work without explanation, refuse secure payment methods such as bank transfer or cheque, or avoid providing receipts.
"Even in urgent situations, it is important to confirm that any trader has the necessary skills and qualifications before proceeding,” the council spokesperson said.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a rogue trader is encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133, contact the Citizens Advice website or email [email protected].
For more information on the 'Not Born Yesterday’ campaign please visit: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/business/trading-standards