A Filton-based landscaper has been sentenced at Bristol Magistrates Court following a successful investigation by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards into rogue trading offences.
Lenos Mihalis Petrou (35) also known as Mike Minch and trading as LMP Landscaping, was handed a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to theft. Sentencing took place on Monday 15 September, where he was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and repay the victim in full, along with £350 in compensation for distress caused.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards team first received a complaint against Mr Petrou in October 2022 whereby he had been paid £3,800 to supply materials to lay a new driveway. Petrou supplied a digger and skip, costing £450, but failed to provide any materials for the driveway whatsoever. He claimed they had been ordered and confirmed a delivery date at the time; however, the supplier was able to confirm that no order was placed as no payment was received.
The complainant initially contacted Petrou and offered him an opportunity to return the money, but he failed to do so. Subsequently, he raised a complaint with the police who contacted South Gloucestershire Trading Standards. Petrou was given numerous opportunities to return the money by Trading Standards prior to the matter proceeding to court, but he continually lied that the money had been returned, when it had not.
An initial hearing was listed at Bristol Magistrates Court on 24 July 2023 but Petrou failed to attend, the hearing was therefore adjourned to 21 August 2023 where he again did not attend. As a result, the Magistrates granted a bench warrant for Petrou’s arrest. Petrou was arrested on 18 January 2025 and brought before the court on 20 January, where he pleaded not guilty, and a trial was listed for 30 June 2025.
At court on 30 June Petrou pleaded guilty to one charge of theft for the sum of £3,350. To date he has repaid the victim £1,205 as part of ongoing negotiations with Trading Standards, and during the sentencing hearing he was ordered to repay the remaining balance, plus £350 in compensation.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards at South Gloucestershire Council said: “I’m really pleased to see this sentence handed out, which follows a lengthy investigation by Trading Standards where Petrou continually lied and disregarded the law.
“South Gloucestershire Council will not tolerate this type of behaviour. We are committed to helping keep our residents and their money safe from rogue traders. If you are unsure about a trader and require any advice or wish to report a complaint, please contact Citizen’s Advice on 0808 223 1133.”
In respect of the driveway, the victim (aged 74) has had to purchase the materials again, effectively having to pay twice. He said: “loss of such a significant sum of money for a pensioner household, has been very stressful for us… It is particularly distressing because of the bare-faced deception and breach of trust by Mr Petrou.”
