Builder Hurls Roof Tiles in Dispute Over £1.8 Million Cottage Renovation

A builder hired to renovate a £1.8 million Tudor cottage has been filmed throwing roof tiles from its roof in a dispute over payment. James Fuller was hired to restore the property in Chilham, Kent, but a disagreement with the owners arose after he increased the renovation cost from £800,000 to £1.4 million.

The owners, Christian Magg and Greg Taylor, terminated their contract with Fuller due to escalating costs and alleged substandard work. Following this, Fuller allegedly launched a harassment campaign that caused significant damage, included death threats, and the theft of the couple's dog.

Footage shared on social media shows Fuller, 44, on the roof, repeatedly throwing tiles to the ground. Onlookers can be heard urging him to come down, while he shouts about needing more money. The damage is estimated to have reached £164,000.

Fuller pleaded guilty to harassment without violence and two counts of criminal damage in July. When the case returned to court in August, the prosecution stated that the initial damage estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 was too low. By the time of his sentencing on September 23, the estimated cost of the damage had increased substantially.

Prosecutors noted that while the renovation initially proceeded well, concerns arose regarding the quality of work and Fuller's attendance. The owners reported receiving death threats and "sex allegations" in addition to their dog being stolen. Fuller has not been charged with the theft of the animal.

The prosecutor detailed that Fuller first targeted the home on June 27. Two days later, he climbed onto the roof and began throwing tiles, stripping the roof back to its battens and destroying most of the tiles and pegs. The scale of the damage meant the case could no longer be handled in the magistrates' court.

Fuller's defense attorney questioned the dramatic increase in the damage estimate, noting that her client had pleaded guilty when the projected cost was around £30,000. She indicated that they would contest the £160,000 figure in crown court. Magistrates agreed to send the case to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, with a date yet to be set. Fuller was granted bail with conditions not to enter Chilham or contact the property's owners.