Fraudster sentenced to eight months in prison

A fraudster who preyed on a vulnerable 90-year-old man in Northampton has been jailed for eight months.

Daniel Cash, of Harborough Road, Great Oxendon, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 6, this year.

His case was sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentencing, and at his hearing on Tuesday, August 2, he was sentenced to eight months in prison and ordered to pay £2,100 compensation to his victim.

Cash was charged at the beginning of July, after a report was submitted to Action Fraud in connection with an incident in April this year, when the elderly victim was defrauded of £2,100.

On the pretence of being a tradesman, Cash visited the address in Melrose Avenue, Northampton, on April 21, and offered to build a patio at the rear of the property, which he knew the occupant had planned.

The man declined however Cash persisted which resulted in the man showing him where he wanted the patio. Initially quoting £4,500 to complete the work, he then lowered his price to £3,500 cash in hand.

Cash told the man that he needed £2,100 in advance to cover the cost of materials and drove his victim to his bank in Northampton town centre so he could withdraw the money there and then.

After driving him back home, he left without leaving his contact details and never returned to the address to complete the work he’d been paid for.

Following the sentencing, PC Toby Mullen of the West Local Policing Area, said: “People like Daniel Cash give decent, hardworking tradesmen a bad name and I am pleased to see him convicted for this offence.

“The emotional distress felt by the victim in this case cannot be underestimated. He has put his trust in someone in his own home, only to discover afterwards that he has been conned, leaving him feeling very vulnerable.

“Our advice if you need work doing on your home is to research traders properly in advance so you’re confident that the person doing the work is legitimate and can be trusted.

“Please be vigilant in your neighbourhood for potential rogue traders operating and encourage elderly or vulnerable relatives to call you should any tradesman insist work needs to be carried out or are demanding money.”

If you have been a victim of a rogue trader, please report it to Northamptonshire Police on 101 or online at northants.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Victims of fraud should report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 2040 or online by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

It’s also important to report all fraud-related incidents to Action Fraud to help build a national picture and help prevent others falling victim to scams.