Emmanuel Arnold avoided jail at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt

A rogue trader who conned victims into believing he was employed by Kent County Council and then carried out shoddy work has escaped jail "by a whisker".

Emmanuel Arnold was told by a judge he would pay compensation and face other punishment instead of being put behind bars for six months.

The 39-year-old father intimidated victims by telling them he was "the roughest gypsy of all" and falsely declaring: "I have done time for people like you."

He also threatened to park caravans in the next field.

Arnold, of Caravan Site, Valley Park, Lower Road, Hextable, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment - suspended for two years - with supervision and a curfew for four months, after admitting four fraud offences.

He was also banned from soliciting for work for two years and going to licensed premises for a year.

"You showed a degree of persistence and a degree of arrogance and aggression in the way you carried out these offences," said Judge Jeremy Carey.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Arnold’s truck bore the KCC logo as he made demands for cash for inept work that was often not wanted.

"you showed a degree of persistence and a degree of arrogance and aggression in the way you carried out these offences…” – judge jeremy carey

Don Ramble, prosecuting, said Arnold - trading as Country Roads - filled in potholes at the home of Peter Weaver and his wife in Holingbourne, Maidstone, in June last year.

When the couple objected, he became aggressive and made threats. The next day he reduced the price and apologised. They did not hand over any money, but had to pay out for remedial work.

Arnold’s firm covered a car park with tarmac and chippings at Paris Farm Barn, in East Malling, in March last year and then demanded £1,500 from owner Martin Eagles. He only paid £300.

Work was also done at the home of Graham Christmann-Brown and Linda Harman, in Goldenhurst, Ashford, in October 2010. They paid £1,500 instead of the £2,200 demanded.

The fourth victim was Simon Springate, owner of Hamlets Hotel in London Road, Larkfield. Arnold told him he would fill in potholes cheaply.

Mr Springett challenged the work done and only paid £500 instead of the £4,400 demanded.

Judge Carey ordered Arnold pay £1,500 compensation to Graham Christmann-Brown and Linda Harman, £300 to Martin Eagles, £500 to Simon Springate and £290 to Mr and Mrs Weaver.