A Norwich builder has been cleared of defrauding customers but his father remains on trial over work that a court has heard was either bodged or left unfinished.

Jack Bye, of Truman Close, was found not guilty of fraudulent trading and unfair commercial practice that contravened the requirements of professional diligence.

The verdict was delivered by the jury at the direction of the judge, Recorder Guy Ayres, nine days into a trial at King’s Lynn Crown Court.

His father Mark Bye, of Britannia Road, is still on trial in a prosecution brought by Norfolk Trading Standards after an investigation that followed a string of complaints from dissatisfied customers.

The court has heard large deposits were taken from customers who were then repeatedly invoiced for further payments despite building work falling behind schedule or not taking place at all.

Prosecutors said some customers were also left facing considerable extra costs to remedy dangerous work.

The trial continues.