Builder Hurls Roof Tiles in Pay Dispute After Allegedly Stealing Dog

A builder hired to renovate a £1.8 million Tudor cottage in Chilham, Kent, has been filmed throwing roof tiles from the property during a dispute over payment, an incident that occurred after he allegedly stole the owners' dog. The builder, James Fuller, 44, had his renovation contract terminated by owners Christian Magg and Greg Taylor due to escalating costs and alleged subpar work.

Fuller was hired to restore the 16th-century Grade II-listed property, with the initial renovation cost quoted at £800,000. This figure reportedly increased to £1.4 million, leading the owners to cut ties with the builder. Following this, Fuller is accused of launching a harassment campaign that resulted in significant damage to the cottage.

Footage circulating on social media shows Fuller on the roof, dressed in a hoodie, throwing tiles to the ground. Onlookers can be heard urging him to descend. During the incident, Fuller was heard shouting about needing more money.

Fuller pleaded guilty to harassment without violence and two counts of criminal damage in July. He reappeared in court in August when the Crown Prosecution Service presented a higher estimate of the damage, leading to the case being adjourned again. At his sentencing on September 23, the estimated cost of the damage had risen to £164,000, Folkestone Magistrates' Court heard.

Prosecutors stated that while the renovation initially proceeded well, concerns arose regarding the quality of work and the builder's attendance. The owners also reportedly received death threats and false allegations after terminating Fuller's contract. However, Fuller had not been charged with the separate offense of stealing the couple's dog, according to court proceedings.

On June 27, Fuller allegedly targeted the home in the early hours. Two days later, he returned and climbed onto the roof, systematically removing and throwing tiles. Prosecutors described the act as "relentless," noting that Fuller stripped the roof back to its battens and destroyed most of the tiles and roof pegs. The estimated damage of £164,000 was deemed too high for the magistrates' court to handle.

Fuller's defense attorney noted that the guilty plea was entered when the estimated damage was around £30,000, and questioned the basis for the subsequent £160,000 figure. The defense indicated that they would contest the damage amount at the crown court.

Magistrates agreed to transfer the case to Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, with a date yet to be set. Fuller was granted bail under the condition that he does not enter Chilham or contact the property's owners.