Experience Description

Robin Skidmore trading as RLC Plastering is a scammer and a fraudster. His "company" is in the name of Alan Gore, but this person is unaware of who Robin is. Robin replied to my ad on Rated People and we agreed a fixed price for plastering my entire property. I gave him some money up front for materials, then he kept asking for more payments as the job went on. Less work was completed each day, with him saying he'll be there to work and then not turning up. Then 5 days after starting, he said his dad is in hospital and that he won’t be able to work for a “few days”. When I asked how long exactly, he said the end of the following week, which was about 10 days. I asked him if his labourers can carry on in his absence and he became rude and argumentative, saying that I should find someone else to finish the house. Less than half the house was replastered, yet he demanded over two thirds of the agreed price at different stages. When I told him that he's overcharged me, he said he would refund me £200. I told him that the price I’ve worked out that he’s overcharged me is £590 and that I expect a refund of this amount. When I told Robin this, he said “I’ll send all the money back and come and remove all my work”. I then issued a Letter Before Action with all of this information to Robin via WhatsApp and I also sent a letter in the post to the address listed on his WhatsApp profile (as it’s a business account). Robin said that he didn’t have the money to repay me but will send it on the 10th. I questioned this, as I had literally paid him £2350 in instalments over the last 5 days, including the £150 that he demanded the night before for materials. I agreed to give him until the 10th October 2025 before issuing court proceedings. The next day, I received a phone call from a Polish man who had received the letter I sent in the post. He told me that I had sent the letter to the wrong address. I double checked it and it was definitely what was listed on Robin’s WhatsApp profile - 513 Princess Road, Manchester, M20 1BS. I then found 2 more addresses listed for RLC Plastering online, including 143 Slack Rd, Manchester, M9 8AZ. This is the address I used for my claim to the Tribunal service but I've had another stranger contact me to say that they have received correspondence and it's the wrong address. About a week later, Robin phoned me from a withheld number and threatened me, so he's obviously aware of my claim. I have now been given a different address by the website Rated People, which I have given to the Tribunal service. I am now waiting for them to reissue my claim to him before a CCJ is issued. Interestingly, Robin has deleted the profile for RLC Plastering on Rated People and Yell.com.

Work Promised vs Work Done

Plastering the whole 2 bed 2 reception room terraced house was agreed. However, he only completed the kitchen, living room, dining room and vestibule. The two bedrooms (including the largest room in the house), bathroom, hallway, stairs and landing remain outstanding.

Attempts to Resolve the issue

Refund requested. Letter Before Action issued. Small Claims Court now involved.

Current Situation

Waiting for Small Claims Court to reissue to new address given for Robin Skidmore.

Ideal Resolution:

Money refunded.