Bogus gardener conned victims in Sheffield out of hundreds of pounds

Jamie Woodcock cold called vulnerable people at their homes and tricked them into handing over money for jobs he never completed.

The 35-year-old, of Saffron Court, in Wombwell, Barnsley, persuaded them they needed work to be done and agreed a fee before convincing them he needed to by additional equipment to do the job.

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He made them pay upfront but once the money was handed over he left with no intention of ever returning.

Woodcock admitted four counts of fraud by false representation, relating to offences committed between April 21 and June 15 in the Wharncliffe Side, Stocksbridge, Wisewood and High Green areas of Sheffield, and he was sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

He was ordered to repay £1,450 he had dishonestly obtained from his victims, told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and handed a 52-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

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PC Ben Woodley, who led the investigation, said: “I’m pleased that justice has been achieved for the victims of Woodcock's unscrupulous behaviour. He is a persistent offender, who continued to target the most vulnerable, elderly people in our community.

“Woodcock was fortunate to have his custodial sentence suspended. I truly hope he sees this as an opportunity to change his ways. A custodial sentence awaits if he does not.”

South Yorkshire Police has urged people to follow the advice below to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Trust no-one who cold calls you.

Never send or give money to anyone you don't know or trust.

Check people are who they say they are.

Do not hand over money or sign anything until you have checked the credentials of the company or individual.

Do not agree to offers or deals immediately. Make decisions in your own time.

Insist on time to obtain independent advice before making a decision.

If in doubt, phone a relative or a friend.

If you believe you have been a victim of a doorstep fraudster, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. Do not be embarrassed to report this crime - these criminals are experts at deceiving people and your report will make it more difficult for them to deceive others.