A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a local renovator convicted of engaging in unfair business practices, according to the provincial government.

The Ontario Court of Justice sentenced Hubert Belisle of H.B. Pro-Expert Renovations to 75 days in jail and two years probation. Mr. Belisle, who was not in court Monday for his sentencing, was ordered to pay $29,643 in restitution to his victims, according to a news release.

Ontario's Ministry of Consumer Services launched an investigation into Mr. Belisle following a complaint by an elderly Nepean couple who hired Mr. Belisle to repair the foundation of their home and replace their asphalt driveway with interlocking bricks.

Over the course of two weeks, Mr. Belisle added more repair costs and drove the couple to the bank to obtain certified cheques to pay his bills, according to the ministry.

The court found the victims were overcharged for unnecessary work. Mr. Belisle billed the couple almost $30,000 for work valued at less than $5,000.

The provincial investigation also involved city officials and the Ottawa Police Service. The ministry says Mr. Belisle will face additional charges when he is apprehended.