Two rogue traders who scammed an elderly man for more than £35,000 have been sentenced.

Albert Eastwood and James Dennard were sentenced following an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, where they conned a Dartford man.

They were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday April 15 after they received money for first offering to repair a leaking gutter for £5, in September 2017.

The duo went on to tell the elderly man a series of lies, including claiming that a neighbour could sue the victim for £100,000 if he did not allow them to urgently repair his roof.

In total, the victim handed over £38,000 to the fraudsters following a series of transactions from September to October.

Despite receiving payments for the work Eastwood, 23, went on to claim that the man's roof had damaged a neighbouring property and he could resolve this by having the damage repaired for an additional £50,000.

The victim did not have the money to afford this and sought legal advice, which prompted suspicion in Eastwood's claims.

"These deceitful offenders specifically targeted the victim in this case because they identified him as being vulnerable." - Detective Constable Mark Newman

Both traders continued to try and contact the man but were reported to police and trading standards.

It was later revealed the work was unnecessary and both men admitted to the offence, as well as a wider plan to defraud people in London and Surrey.

Both men pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud by false represenation.

Dennard, 26, of Darenth Wood Road, Dartford, was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspected for two years, and to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Eastwood, of Denton Close, Redhill, was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Mark Newman, investigating officer for the case, said: "These deceitful offenders specifically targeted the victim in this case because they identified him as being vulnerable.

"The work they received payment for was not carried out and was entirely unnecessary. I am pleased that we have been able to secure justice for the victim.

"I hope this case can help remind members of the public to be vigilant of such scams and to bear in mind a number of steps that can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

"This includes researching the company a trader claims to be from, getting a quote in writing and approaching at least three other traders for a quote."

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