Builder’s Tantrum Turns Ugly on Newbuild Site
Simon Barrington, 35, was hired by a property developer to work on two newbuild homes in Little Eversden, South Cambridgeshire. He started on 12 September last year but quickly stirred trouble.
Poor Work Sparks Ugly Fallout
The developer and fellow workers found Barrington’s work shoddy and his attitude lazy and erratic. Barrington claimed he was owed £4,000 by the victim, a firm owner. The owner swiftly cut ties, telling Barrington his services were no longer needed.
Menacing Money Demands Escalate
Not done, Barrington ramped up his demands, now claiming £11,000 for materials and labour. He threatened there would be “forty thousand pounds-worth of damages” if he wasn’t paid, even boasting he knew where the owner lived.
He warned he would “smash houses up” and come collect his paint from the site.
Threats Turn Real at Site
On 26 September, Barrington confronted a labourer on site, demanding paint. He threatened to burn buildings down and “mash up” the owner. When the labourer called the owner, Barrington tried to snatch the phone and warned he would “bring the boys” back.
To avoid further harm, the owner told the labourer to hand over the paint.
Days later, “pay me” was scratched into the site’s fencing.
Barrington returned in early October with another man, making fresh threats.
Arrest Brings Builder’s Menace to Halt
Police arrested Barrington at his home in Ermine Street, Caxton, on 13 October, ending the torment on the newbuild site.
