A ROGUE trader from Broom, near Alcester, who conned a Bidford pensioner out of more than £7,000 has escaped jail.

Richard Maurice Birch, also known as William Birch, of Bidford Road, was handed a 10 month prison sentence suspended for two years at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday, February 2.

He was also ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work and pay £6,000 towards prosecution costs.

Birch, who traded as Darcy and Demi Ltd, pleaded guilty to one charge of knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence and one charge of fraud by false representation.

Birch, aged 36, vastly over-charged the elderly Bidford resident to pressure wash her roof and carry out other unnecessary work.

His offences were brought to light when the victim's son noticed two cheques totalling £7,100, and his mother was was able to tell him that it was for work to her roof.

An investigation was launched and found that the trader had vastly overcharged for work that had not been carried out properly and was not required.

The work alleged to have been carried included ridge tile repointing, moss removal and waterproofing.

In mitigation, Adam Butler representing Mr Birch said that his client had refunded the money to the victim. He further stated that Mr Birch had no formal building training or training to price jobs and had set up own business to provide for his wife and children. He had now stopped trading.

Warwickshire County Councillor John Horner, portfolio holder for community safety said: "Tackling rogue traders who prey on vulnerable Warwickshire residents is a priority for our Trading Standards team. We will continue to take strong action against dishonest traders."

Warwickshire County Council overview and scrutiny committee chairman Philip Johnson added: "Follow the advice of Warwickshire Trading Standards to help avoid rogue traders."

To use the council's scheme to find vetted and Trading Standards approved traders, visit warwickshire.gov.uk/approvedtraders or to report a rogue trader call Warwickshire Trading Standards on 03454 040506.