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A builder has gone on trial accused of defrauding 46 customers in the West Country out of more than £2m after failing to complete work at their homes.
Mark Killick, of Shoe Lane in Paulton, Somerset, allegedly charged his customers for building materials and labour after agreeing to complete work, but kept the money for himself.
The 55-year-old, also known as Mark Cole, is accused of 46 counts of fraud between December 2019 and November 2021.
Mr Killick denies all the charges and his trial at Bristol Crown Court is expected to last 12 weeks.
A jury of eight men and four women were told by the prosecution that Mr Killick "lied" to his victims and stole "the equivalent of a lottery win" from them collectively.
