A team of rogue builders who targeted elderly and vulnerable householders across Kent and London conned their victims out of about £800,000, a court heard.

Ringleader was William Smith, 43, of Carlton Avenue, Greenhithe who pressured, intimidated and frightened his victims in his 'despicable quest to relieve vulnerable people of as much money as possible’ said Judge Michael O’Sullivan.

Smith showed no mercy to his victims and deserved more than the eight years four months passed on him at Canterbury Crown Court, said the judge.

Jailed for 36 months was Smith’s son Billy Nelson Smith, 21, of Green Street, Green Road, Dartford who Smith was said to have criminalised.

Also jailed for four-and-a-half years was Timothy Killick, 35, of Stagshaw Close, Maidstone whose company Smith used to launder cheques and who wrote out invoices for the illiterate Smith.

Smith admitted conspiracy, his son admitted money laundering, attempted deception and fraud. Killick admitted money laundering, deception and fraud.

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