A judge ruled a builder and the father of a disabled boy had made "an arrangement to defraud Bradford Council".

Judge Peter Benson found in favour of Ashley Deacon, of building contractor JA McCon-ville, at Bradford County Court.

Lawrence Pickering was suing Mr Deacon's firm for breach of contract over an extension they built at his home at Romsey Gardens, Holme Wood.

The extension, which cost nearly £22,000, was paid for through a Disabled Facilities Grant from Bradford Council as it was for Mr Pickering's son Ryan, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair.

Mr Pickering said the work was of poor quality or was not completed.

However, Mr Deacon said he had agreed to pay Mr Pickering £2,000 and another man, Raymond Sutcliffe, £500 for making sure he got the contract.

Mr Pickering denied this and said Mr Deacon had agreed to give him £1,000 for a new kitchen.

Judge Peter Benson ruled he believed Mr Deacon's account that a deal to pay backhanders had been agreed.

He said the builder had no reason to admit to what amounted to conspiracy to defraud.

He said that meant the contract between the builder and Mr Pickering had been illegal.

"It seems to me that there has been here an arrangement to defraud the Council and misuse public funds and in those circumstances I decline to lend the assistance of this court to the enforcement of this contract," he said.

The Judge, who made no order for costs, said therefore the claim for breach of contract could not proceed and judged in favour of Mr Deacon.

Mr Deacon also said he was told to submit an estimate to the Council for £21,840 and he would get the contract.

He told the court the contract would normally cost about £15,000.

Earlier Bradford Council's building inspector Trevor Bateman gave evidence that he costed the maximum price of the work at £20,847.

After the case, Mr Deacon said he was "delighted" with the outcome. I am just pleased and delighted the truth has come out," he said.

"I have had two years of hell - my family and my business has suffered," he said.

Outside court Mr Pickering denied taking backhanders.

His solicitor Jaroslaw Stachiw said they would lodge an appeal within the next 14 days.