Joiner convicted after defrauding vulnerable residents across three counties
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
A former Central Bedfordshire tradesman has been convicted of multiple counts of fraud after deceiving elderly and vulnerable residents across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
Michael William Kempson, aged 38, of High Street, Beeston, pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 29 August 2025 to ten offences of Fraud by False Representation, contrary to Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. The offences took place between May 2022 and March 2024 across ten residential addresses.
Kempson, who traded as Twisted Knott Ltd, advertised home improvement and joinery services online, including on Check-A-Trader, My Job Quote, My Builder and Facebook. Victims were persuaded to pay deposits of up to 50 per cent for projects such as kitchen installations, decking and summer houses.
Once payments were made, Kempson repeatedly failed to carry out the work, providing a series of false excuses, including personal illness and family bereavements, before ceasing all contact.
An investigation by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team identified ten victims, five of whom were retired, including two who were also in poor health and particularly vulnerable. Collectively, the victims suffered significant financial losses.
Kempson appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 15 October 2025, where the case was committed for sentencing. He appeared at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, where he was sentenced to an 18-month custodial sentence suspended for two years, a Rehabilitation Order, unpaid work 150 hours, and an 18-month Mental Health Plan. He also received a £15,000 compensation order to be repaid over three years to the victims.
Councillor John Baker, Executive Member responsible for Public Protection at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
This was a calculated and heartless fraud carried out against vulnerable people who placed their trust in him. Kempson instead took their money and exploited their goodwill. Our Trading Standards team worked tirelessly to bring him to justice, and this conviction sends a strong message that we will not tolerate anyone preying on vulnerable residents. If there’s anyone else you believe has fallen victim to Kempson’s deception, please contact the council or your local Central Beds Councillor.
Residents are urged never to pay large upfront deposits and certainly not 50 per cent before any work has started. Always seek references, check credentials, and use secure payment methods when hiring tradespeople.
If you have a matter that you would like Trading Standards to look into, please contact the team via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or email trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk