Rogue trader who targeted elderly victim in St Albans jailed

A trickster who conned an 84 year old man out of thousands of pounds has been jailed for more than two years.

Steven Nolan, 28, from Beech Close in West Drayton, visited the victim’s home in Colney Heath several times between December 2014 and March 2016 and persuaded him to hand over £24,300 to carry out unnecessary building works.

Appearing at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, Nolan, who had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, was jailed for 26 months for fraud.

Nolan was arrested after officers went to an address in Watford following reports of rogue traders in September 2016. At the time Nolan was wanted by police for fraud offences.

Det Con Sam Casey, from the Operation Manhunt Team, said: “Nolan callously targeted an 84 year old man and repeatedly visited him under the pretence of carrying out works, which were completely unnecessary.

“A report by an expert witness stated that the true value of the work done by Nolan at the address in Colney Heath was just £357. He also determined that work carried out on the drive was poor and that no work was actually required to be carried out to the roof.

“Initially in interview Nolan denied he had even ever visited the victim’s home but went on to plead guilty in court.

“I hope that the time he spends behind bars allows him to reflect on the impact his criminal activity has had on his elderly victim.

“Criminals like Nolan have a huge impact on their vulnerable victims who, in some cases, hand over their life savings believing they are paying for substantial works to be carried out.”

Det Con Casey recommended finding honest traders approved by Trading Standards if you need work carried out on your property.