A roofer from Eastbourne who preyed on elderly residents has been jailed for five months.

Jack Fuller, trading as JF Roofing, was convicted at Hastings Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by East Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team.

Fuller, 42, ‘cold called’ on three elderly people in Seaford and Bexhill, persuading residents to allow him and an accomplice to carry out work on their roofs after identifying alleged faults.

The defendant failed to comply with the law in regard to cold calling and at the Bexhill address charged the resident an over-inflated price for the work undertaken on her roof.

Fuller admitted one charge of fraud, three counts of failing to give cancellation rights and a further offence under the Companies Act. In addition to his jail term, he was ordered to pay full compensation to his victims.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, county council lead member for economy, said: “This is an excellent result for the Trading Standards service.

“It sends out a clear message that neither the council nor the courts will tolerate businesses that flout the law and cause distress to our residents.”

The council offers an approved trader scheme – Buy With Confidence – which allows residents to ensure they’re employing the services of a responsible tradesman.

Anyone who has concerns about a cold calling business is asked to report the matter immediately to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.