TWO traders who pretended to work for a nationally-renowned block paving provider have received suspended jail sentences for conning Chesterfield residents.
Brothers Felix and Miley Connors called at homes in Chesterfield trading as Marshall Landscapes and claiming to be affiliated to Marshalls Plc - one of the UK's largest suppliers of block paving products.
In early 2008 they went cold-calling and secured two contracts to lay block paving driveways.
One man in North Wingfield agreed to have work done on his drive after Felix Connors told him he was a representative of Marshalls Plc and had already done two driveways in the area, which he took his victim to inspect. But the work was substandard and after the victim lodged a complaint with Trading Standards it was dscovered the brothers had not done the work on the other driveways.
At another address in North Wingfield, Miley Connors wore a jacket with 'Marshalls Landscapes Approved Contractors' embroidered on it and handed out a business card showing a picture from the genuine Marshalls brochure.
The brothers had no connection with Marshalls Plc and were sentenced at Derby Crown Court for making fraudulent representations.
Felix Connors, aged 27, of Bagworth, Leicestershire, was sentenced to three months in jail, suspended for two years. He also got a 150 hours unpaid community service order and was told to pay 3,000 costs to Derbyshire County Council, which brought the prosecution.
Miley Connors, 28, of Pinxton, Derbyshire, received a three month suspended sentence, a two year supervision order and must attend a 'thinking skills' programme. He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay costs of 2,500.
Council cabinet member said: "We will prosecute traders who try to con local people."
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