A conman charged an elderly woman £6,500 for a job that was only worth £50.

Nathan Lee swindled the pensioner when he knocked on the door to convince her that her roof was “dangerous”.

He demanded the huge sum for the repairs and put the woman in fear that her room would collapse if work was not carried out.

She asked for a receipt but Lee failed to hand one over.

So the pensioner, from Pulborough, reported Lee to West Sussex Trading Standards.

A surveyor said there was no need for most of the work done and said the wrong materials had been used during Lee’s shoddy job.

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Rogue trader Lee appeared before Hove Crown Court over the fraud and was jailed for 18 months.

Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards team manager, said: “Conning vulnerable people out of large sums of money is a serious crime.”

The Argus:

“I would urge residents not to be pressured into having expensive work undertaken by a cold caller.

“We would always recommend using a Trading Standards approved ‘Buy With Confidence’ trader.”

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West Sussex County Council cabinet member Deborah Urquhart said: “I would like to thank Trading Standards for bringing this individual to justice. This outcome sends a strong message to dishonest traders that we will find out and take action.”

Rogue traders can be reported by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport or via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.