A ROGUE trader from Widnes who earned £33,000 from work that he never completed or was not needed has been jailed.

Dolphus Gaskin, of Tanhouse Lane, was given a four-year prison sentence at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 11.

Between January 2017 and March 2018, the 24-year-old travelled across England offering roof and guttering repair services at inflated prices.

He targeted vulnerable and elderly residents by cold calling at their home and telling them that he had noticed damage on their roof or that their gutters required cleaning.

On March 9 Gaskin targeted an elderly woman on Norton View in Runcorn and originally stated the work would cost £40.

This was later increased to £400 even though no work was ever completed.

The incident was reported to Cheshire Police by the victim’s carers and an investigation was launched.

During the investigation officers used CCTV footage, descriptions of Gaskin and mobile phone evidence to link him to the area.

Gaskin had previously been arrested for four similar offences in Avon and Somerset but the cases against him had been discontinued due to a lack of evidence.

With fresh evidence the cases were re-opened along with two further cases in Southampton and Nantwich.

Gaskin was subsequently charged with seven counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft.

Gaskin pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft and was found not guilty of the other two counts of fraud.

Following the sentencing, detective constable Calvin Fletcher, from Runcorn CID, said: “To stoop so low as to defraud vulnerable residents out of thousands of pounds is despicable and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Gaskin.

“Rogue traders such as him have no regard for other people.

“He specifically targeted the most vulnerable members of our community with the intention of fleecing them for as much money as possible – in these cases alone we believe that he made at least £33,000.

“While Gaskin’s sentencing will not bring the victims their money back, I hope that the punishment he has received will give them some closure.”

Anyone who believes that they have been a victim of a rogue trader is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also give details online.