Austin Mockridge

hazelhew

I went on a holiday for 2 weeks in a property owned by Austin Mockridge alias David Robert's, called Tidal view in Looe. The property was in an awful state of repair. When it rained water was literally running down the walls! We had to move all the beds. Water was dripping from the ceiling. At one point my friend experienced one of the walls crumble. There was rubble on the floor. I have photos.
Austin/David said hewouldcompensat by giving us another holiday. We had afew excuses and now after many emails and phone calls sent by me, we have heard nothing from him. I want to take action for compensation and to stop him ripping off others. His property is dangerous.

RIPLEY1

We had our holiday cancelled by David Roberts/Austin Mockrige. We have later found our holiday accommodation did not exist! I have contacted bank, police, action fraud, citizens advice, as you say the lame excuses for not refunding. I am waiting for a balance refund! Looks like he has been doing this sort of thing since at least 2009! See previous forums! I have now contacted a solicitor who is looking at all the evidence I have found on this person! Wish me luck x

lemondrops69

My uncle had an  Austin Mockridge in the late 70's, brown with a beige interior, it was awful, I feel your pain OP

Swimtastic7

Austin Mockridge/David Roberts. Has anyone got their money back?

pallyman

This is a 3 year thread & the posters have not been back

mum2theboys

He put an advert in our church magazine which we fell for.  Got there and the place was a mess with no electric and rubbish lying everywhere.  None of the amenities as advertised.  Got less than a third back from what we paid despite him saying he would offer a full refund.  Now he does not respond.

benawhile

Still trading via "independentcottages.co.uk". We were asked to pay up front (8 months in advance) for a cottage but we pulled out

Swimtastic7

Is there anyway to stop this scammer and get our money back?  There must be some way to bring him to justice. 

benawhile

How about reporting to the Cornwall tourist board? I wouldn't know where to start. I was in a small claims court action that escalated to fast track as it was for £15,000 against a builder. It broke me even though I had a partial win, I wouldn't go through that again for a £400 holiday. But the website that facilitates this guy, "independent cottages" make things worse. At least they have a very poor review on Trustpilot. And at least it's much harder now to have a fake bank account, with all the I.D. the banks ask for. So the name of this scammer, being distinctive, is easy to google up and research. Always caveat emptor, especially if paying up front.

Swimtastic7

He’s been Director of numerous companies that have gone into bankruptcy, I think, according to Companies House. So he’s possibly  using someone else’s bank account.  At least it’s possible to get his current address but it’s too far for us to pay a visit.

I am going to try my MP.  since there are many more operating this s am.