Builder jailed after conning pensioner into paying £54k for repairs that should have cost £6k
Peter Swain 'took advantage' of the OAP by suggesting more and more expensive work be done
A BUILDER who conned a pensioner into paying ten times more than he should has been jailed.
Peter Swain, 51, charged the 81-year-old £54,100 for roof and chimney repairs and other minor work.
An expert builder said the bill should have been only £6,600.
Swain originally approached the victim asking if he wanted his drive cleaned, but quickly suggested minor groundworks, cleaning, chimney repair and roof repairs as well.
He asked for huge sums of money as the work progressed, far beyond what the work actually cost.
Trading standards launched a probe into the scam at the house in Chestfield, Kent.
Swain, from Whitstable, admitted fraud and was jailed for 34 months at Canterbury crown court.
Detective Constable Brigitte Collard, who investigated the case, said Swain had deliberately taken advantage of a vulnerable elderly man.
She said: "Residents should feel safe when they employ a contractor, but rogue traders cause unnecessary distress through poor workmanship and bad practices.
"I am pleased this man is now behind bars, unable to try and con other members of the public."
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Trading Standards Operations Manager Clive Phillips added: "This sends a clear message that this type of callous offending will not be tolerated.
"We will continue to pursue offenders who prey on the vulnerable members of our community.
"We recommend that residents always seek at least three quotes for work that you know needs to be carried out, check out their references and do not be pressured to sign a contract until you are ready and willing to do so."