91-year-old targeted by bogus gardener in Walsall

The 91-year-old woman targeted by Damion Price has said she is now 'too scared' to open her doors to strangers following the con which was the fourth time she and her husband had been targeted by bogus traders.

The 27-year-old preyed on the pensioner just minutes after her 97-year-old husband had left their house in Pelsall, Walsall.

Price told her that her husband had agreed for him to trim the hedges for £130, prior to knocking her door in December 2012.

But it was all part of a ploy by Price who was handed £30 by the pensioner as she was in fear of what may happened if she left him empty handed.

Despite Price's offence being described as 'despicable crime' by Recorder Mr Denis Desmond he was given a suspended sentence.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told the couple had installed CCTV after being targeted previously and it was the images from the cameras which helped track down Price.

Mr Harpreet Sandhu, prosecuting, told the court: "At just after 10am the victim was at home alone. She opened the door and the defendant stepped into the porch. He then told her that he had spoken to the claimant's husband just after he had left the house and he had agreed to let him cut the hedges for £130.

"The defendant later went back to the door and told the lady he had completed the work but the victim said this couldn't be the case because she said she didn't see any sign of any work taking place.

"She told the defendant she didn't have all the money and offered him £30. She said she was fearful of what may happen if she didn't pay him."

A neighbour got suspicious of Price and called the police.

He was arrested six months later in July of last year after he was traced by the CCTV.

Mr Sandhu read a victim impact statement to the court, he said: "The victim has described how because she and her husband had been targeted by fake traders before she now feels scared and nervous answering the doors to strangers."

Price of Long Lane Caravan Site in Great Wyrley admitted a charge of fraud by false representation.

His defence barrister Mr Patrick Currie said Price had been suffering from depression following the breakdown of his marriage and had been canvassing the Pelsall area for work.

Recorder Mr Desmond sentenced Price to four months in prison but suspended it for two years.

He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and will be supervised for 12 months.

Mr Desmond said: "This was despicable crime and you knew when the elderly victim answered the door she was vulnerable."