RESIDENTS in St Albans targeted by three fraudsters got a sense of justice last week when the men were jailed for a total of 15 years.
Francis Tomney, Francis Tomney Jnr and Thomas Tomney targeted addresses in Park Street as well as homes in Hatfield, Lancashire and Manchester, where they offered to carry out work to driveways and other parts of residents’ properties for extortionate amounts of money.
The consequent work was of a poor standard and in some cases caused damage to properties, which the Tomneys – father and twin sons – then offered to repair at extra and exorbitant costs.
In a case that made national news, it was revealed how the three men had tricked one Stockport pensioner into paying �800 for sealant sprayed onto his driveway. Footage filmed by the men on one of their mobile phones showed the men were actually using milk.
Many victims came forward to aid the case against the Tomneys and the men pleaded guilty to a number of offences. Investigations discovered that the men had been involved in systematic fraud over a considerable period. They were sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here