Wayne Murfet, 42, of Freckenham Road, Chippenham, was the director of Lors Homes. In October 2024 he was jailed for three and a half years for supplying 36 fake Building Control Completion Certificates to purchasers of flats at a development called The Grosvenor on Newmarket High Street.
The certificates were similar to those issued by Building Control but had not, in fact, been issued by them. They were supplied to purchasers by their own solicitors, having been received via the developer’s solicitors. The buyers then went on to purchase their properties believing they had been properly signed off.
Following the discovery of the false certificates, West Suffolk Building Control inspected the building and identified breaches of building regulations and serious fire safety concerns. As a result, a 24‑hour waking watch had to be installed in the property.
At a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 17 April, Murfet was ordered to pay a total of £150,987.26, made up of £83,688.52 in compensation, £67,128.74 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge.
Graham Crisp, Suffolk County Council’s Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, commented after the hearing:
“Although no compensation can undo the distress caused by Wayne Murfet’s actions, I am pleased that his victims will be given a share of the £83,000 he has been ordered to pay.
“Murfet’s behaviour caused substantial loss to the purchasers and created a significant risk to people’s safety and property.
“Officers from Suffolk Trading Standards have worked tirelessly and diligently to bring Murfet to justice, and my thanks go to our colleagues in Southend‑on‑Sea Council Trading Standards for their assistance in the financial investigation. I am grateful for their help in protecting Suffolk residents and ensuring a level playing field for our county’s legitimate traders.”
Anyone who suspects they, or someone they know, may be a victim of fraud can report this in confidence to Suffolk Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
