A ROGUE roofer has been jailed after using 'aggressive' practices to scam a pensioner from South Cumbria.

Daniel Austin Ward provided the elderly Levens woman with a quote for £1,650 to fit new gutters and fascias.

The 36-year-old roofer then demanded more money while carrying out the work and the pensioner ended up paying £2,540.

An independent surveyor has since confirmed the work was of such poor quality that it would have to be completely re-done.

When he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing, Ward, trading as Nu-Lids Roofing Contractors, had already admitted charges of fraud, engaging as a trader in a commercial practice which was aggressive, and advertising misleading information.

He also pleaded guilty to engaging in aggressive practices and was given an additional two months in prison for the offences carried out at Levens.

Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “This case should act as a warning to others. I am pleased to see that justice has been served for the aggressive and deceitful practices that this criminal pursued.

"The actions of rogue traders can have a significant financial and emotional impact on consumers, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities.

"This result is testament to the hard work of the council’s Trading Standards team and I thank them for their efforts.

"Due to the nature of these crimes, Cumbria Trading Standards treat this work as a priority and work with partner agencies such as Cumbria Police to help raise awareness and tackle potential offenders."