A ROGUE roofer has been jailed after engaging in ‘aggressive’ practices to scam a pensioner from south Cumbria.

Jay Barry Price attempted to persuade a Grange man in his 80s to proceed with building work for more than four hours before presenting him with a bill for £4,100.

The 21-year-old roofer was then said to have demanded the elderly gentleman, who lives alone, paid the amount despite the householder telling him he could not afford it.

An independent surveyor has since valued the work at no more than £50.

When he appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing, Price, trading as P & T Property Maintenance, admitted four charges of fraud and of engaging as a trader in a commercial practice which was aggressive.

Price admitted to being ‘aggressive’ towards his 80 year-old victim.

He also admitted acting ‘very pushy’ in getting the householder to eventually agree to fitting new splash boards to prevent damp and replacing damaged roof tiles.

Price also admitted four charges of fraud by false representation.

These charges reveal he purportedly provided the victim with a document to sign and agree building work and prices building work quotation.

However, by signing this document, the victim was ‘actually purportedly waiving’ his legal rights to cancel the contract.

Price also presented the victim with a bill for £4,100 for work which had never been completed.

Cllr Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “This case should act as a warning to others. I am delighted 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 officers.

“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.”

If anyone thinks they have been a victim of a rogue trader can contact Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.