Fraudulent Tradesman Sentenced for Deceiving Residents Across Beds, Cambs and Herts

A former Central Bedfordshire tradesman has been sentenced after admitting to multiple counts of fraud against elderly and vulnerable residents across three counties.

38-year-old Michael William Kempson, of High Street, Beeston, pleaded guilty at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 29 August 2025 to ten offences of Fraud by False Representation under the Fraud Act 2006. The offences took place between May 2022 and March 2024 at ten residential addresses in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

Kempson, who traded as Twisted Knott Ltd, advertised home improvement and joinery services on websites including Checkatrade, MyJobQuote, MyBuilder, and Facebook. Victims were persuaded to pay deposits of up to 50 per cent for projects such as kitchen installations, decking and summer houses — but the promised work was rarely started.

After receiving payments, Kempson repeatedly failed to carry out the jobs, offering a string of false excuses, including personal illness and family bereavements, before cutting off contact altogether.

An investigation by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team uncovered ten victims, five of whom were retired, including two who were in poor health and considered particularly vulnerable. Collectively, they suffered significant financial losses.

Kempson appeared at Luton Crown Court on 11 November 2025, where he was handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a Rehabilitation Order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and an 18-month Mental Health Plan. He was also ordered to pay £15,000 in compensation to his victims over the next three years.

Councillor John Baker, Executive Member 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 being reminded never to pay large deposits upfront, and to always check a trader’s credentials, seek references, and use secure payment methods.

Kempson was the former Director of Twisted Knott Ltd, which was incorporated on 3 August 2022 and dissolved on 4 June 2024.

Locations of the offences included:

• Bedfordshire: Biggleswade, Clophill, Sandy, Wootton, Potton, Bedford

• Cambridgeshire: Papworth, Molesworth, Yelling

• Hertfordshire: Stevenage