A "DESPICABLE" father and son pairing have been found guilty of over-charging vulnerable residents for inept home improvements.

William Green and his son Terry Green conned vulnerable elderly residents out of thousands of pounds for poor and inept work that should only have cost hundreds.

Two elderly victims were overcharged a substantial amount for unsatisfactory work carried out by the pair.

One victim paid £7,500 for roofing work in 2015 that was worth between £250 and £300.

The other victim, 95, paid £3,600 in 2015 for driveway work worth £600.

The father and son have been found guilty at Worthing Magistrates Court following a West Sussex Trading Standards investigation.

William Green, 48, of Sompting, was found guilty of two charges under the Fraud Act 2006 and one charge under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Terry Green, 20, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of three charges under the Fraud Act 2006 and four charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The victims were commended by the Magistrates for helping with the investigation and at the hearing.

Trading Standards began investigations into the pair from June 2015 after consumer complaints.

David Barling, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “These rogue traders have behaved despicably in exploiting elderly, innocent consumers.

“This ruling sends out a strong message to any unscrupulous traders that we will find out and we will take action.”

Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said: “We work hard to protect consumers from deceitful traders.

“Both William and Terry Green frightened their victims by dishonestly claiming their properties were in a dangerous state and needed urgent work.

“To help ensure your peace of mind use a Trading Standards approved trader, as found in our Buy With Confidence directory.”

Both were released on bail with sentencing is due to take place on December 22.

A proceeds of crime financial investigation is under way.

To find an approved trader visit: buywithconfidence.gov.uk

To report a rogue trader contact Trading Standards online at westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or via Citizens Advice on 03454 040506.

  • William Green has since appealed his conviction. A hearing will take place in August and sentencing has been postponed subject to the outcome of the appeal.