A fraudster who conned two pensioners from Maidstone out of £700 after convincing them they needed new roof tiles has been jailed.

Paddy Doran, 31, visited their property in Woolley Road, uninvited, on three separate occasions in March.

He told the two elderly twin brothers whoever installed their roof tiles had stolen them and they therefore needed replacing immediately.

The roof was actually in good order and the victims, who are in their 70s, were misled by Doran.

They were persuaded to hand over the cash and the work he promised was never completed.

Doran, of Townfield Lane in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, then tried to get them to draw out a further £1,200.

The incident was reported to Kent Police and an investigation was launched.

He misled his victims and conned them out of a large sum of money, clearly with no intention of ever working for that money.

While officers were at the victims address, Doran was spotted driving past the house.

Police followed him to a nearby cul-de-sac where he stopped and tried to walk away but was instead caught and arrested.

He was charged with fraud by false representation and driving a vehicle without insurance.

Despite denying the charges, a jury found him guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

He was sentenced yesterday to two years and three months in prison.

Investigating officer, DC Mark Newman, said: "Anyone can become a victim of fraud but it is usually the most vulnerable in our society who are targeted.

"Doran misled his victims and conned them out of a large sum of money, clearly with no intention of ever working for that money. Whilst there are many legitimate businesses out there we continue to urge people and those living next door to vulnerable individuals to be guarded against doorstep callers.

"Prevention is a priority for us. We must make people aware of these crimes and make neighbours and friends more confident to question what is going on. It might be nothing but it is always better to double check.

"Doran has also been given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which will impose conditions on him following his release. They include not being able to cold-call on members of the public, offer business services or instruct others to do so on his behalf.

"If he fails to comply with the court order he could be sent back to prison."

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