A tradesman who took money from an elderly brother and sister for work he did not complete has been ordered to pay back £4,000.

Christopher Mower, of Chartway Street in Maidstone, was contacted by the siblings, who are 78 and 82-years-old, when their aga broke in November last year.

The work he quoted them was never completed, leaving them without hot water or heating until they contacted the police in March.

The 27-year-old was convicted of theft at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Mower quoted £5,000 and said he would order and install a replacement.

Each victim paid £2,000 up front with a further £1,000 to be paid on completion of the works.

Mower said the item would be delivered by January 16 this year but it did not arrive.

In March, having spent four months without hot water or heating, the tradesman was reported to police and arrested.

He was then charged with two counts of theft of money from each victim.

He has received a 12 month community order and also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Further to this, he was ordered to pay back the £4,000 he was convicted of stealing.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mo Nolan from Kent Police said: "I’m so pleased for the victims that we were able to bring this case to court, secure a conviction and ensure they will get their money back.

"The Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline can assist homeowners who feel they have been targeted by rogue traders and if anyone has any concerns we would encourage them to report them, and to speak to a local police officer if they feel a crime has been committed."

The Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline can be contacted on 08454 04 05 06.