Article
Rogue Trader Jailed after Costing Neath Port Talbot Victims £40,000
02 July 2026
A rogue trader who carried out fraudulent roofing and property maintenance work across Neath Port Talbot has been jailed following a lengthy investigation by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Trading Standards team.
Richard Murnane knowingly carried on a business called RM Property and Maintenance for a fraudulent purpose between 13th July 2021 and 1st June 2023.
The 42-year-old also operated under a second business, S & R Roofing, between 7th December 2022 and 1st April 2023 for similar fraudulent activity.
The case involved five victims, who collectively lost approximately £40,000 because of shoddy workmanship at their homes. Many of the victims were elderly.
At Swansea Crown Court on 19th June 2026, Richard Phillip Murnane (DOB: 16/05/84) was sentenced to a total of 32 months’ imprisonment after being convicted of two fraud offences.
He received a 32-month custodial sentence for offences linked to RM Property and Maintenance, and 13 months for offences relating to S & R Roofing, to run concurrently.
Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips - whose portfolio includes Trading Standards - said:
“This case demonstrates the serious impact rogue traders and fraudulent businesses have on residents, particularly older and more vulnerable members of our communities.
“The victims in this case suffered significant financial losses and considerable distress after placing their trust in someone who deliberately set out to deceive them. I welcome the outcome at Swansea Crown Court and commend the dedication and professionalism of Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards officers, whose lengthy and complex investigation brought Richard Murnane to justice.”.
Neath Port Talbot Council is reminding residents to take extra care when hiring tradespeople and to report any suspicious activity to Trading Standards.
