Alleged Building Fraudster Arrested

A man who allegedly stripped a couple’s bathroom, charged them $6600 and then disappeared has been arrested.

 

In September, Flaxmere residents Joyce and Barry Brough were left with no bathroom after the man claimed he’d received building consents to refurbish their bathroom from Hastings District Council, stripped the bathroom down to the framework, charged them and left.

 

Going by the alias of Matthew Logan, the builder offered the couple references, proof of liability insurance and had a sound knowledge of building terminology and council process.

He later provided the Boughs with letters from Hastings District Council that led them to believe they had a building consent for the work.

It turned out the man had drawn up the letter himself.

 

Hapeta Mathews, aged 54 of Flaxmere and is believed to have used the alias Matthew Logan before, was arrested this week in Hastings and he will be appearing at Hastings District Court on Friday, September 10 on various charges.

 

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says he’s glad hear that someone who has taken advantage of Hastings residents in this way is having to face the consequences of his actions.

 

Mrs Brough says she’s glad Mathews has been arrested.

 

“I’m still coming down from the ceiling, I’m so happy he’s been caught. I don’t know how many other people he’s done this to but I hope this stops him doing it again for awhile.”

 

The day Hastings District Council building officers were made aware of the couple’s dilemma they were on the phone to contacts in the local building industry.

Companies were more than keen to help them and now the Broughs have a state-of-the-art bathroom.

Mrs Brough says she’s delighted with her new bathroom and, considering the dreadful start to their renovations, it has all worked out better than planned.

The Broughs would like to thank Seth Palmer Builders, Tumu ITM, Plumbing World, Pete the Plumber, The TileShed, tiler Anton Mau, Atlas Fibrous, Maurice Gray Painters, Dulux New Zealand, Smith&Smith Glass, Carters Hastings and Copas Plumbing & Electrical, Georgina Wahi at Neighbourhood Law Office and HDC building officer Mike Skelton.

Anyone else who feels they have been targeted by this man or similar scams should contact either Hastings District Council on ph. 871 5000 or the Hastings Police