A BOGUS gardener from Wombwell who tricked elderly victims into handing money over for jobs he had no intention of completing has been sentenced.
Jamie Woodcock, 35, of Saffron Court, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
Woodcock was ordered to repay the £1,450 that he had obtained from four victims, and was handed a 52-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He was also given a supervision order for two years, with 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed within the first 12 months.
After persuading his victims they needed gardening work completing, Woodcock would agree a fee and then convince each elderly victim that they needed to pay him up front - he would then leave and not return.
The offences were committed in the Wharncliffe Side, Stocksbridge, Wisewood and High Green areas of Sheffield between April 21 and June 15.
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.”
