Teenage roofing conman Robert Small targeted WW2 veteran and widow, 86

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-34289041

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A teenage rogue roof trader who targeted an 86-year-old widow and a World War Two veteran has been handed a 14-month custodial sentence.

Robert Small, 18, of Hardington Mandeville, Somerset, admitted five counts of fraud by misrepresentation.

He was caught in Nether Stowey after trying to trick the widow, Brenda Robinson, who informed the police.

At Bristol Crown Court he was also ordered to pay £820 to his two victims and £1,000 in costs.

'He took his chance'

One of his victims, World War Two veteran Jack Shiner, was tricked out of £300 for botched and unnecessary work.

Mr Shiner said: "He saw an old man on his doorstep and he took his chance - he was a rogue really."

Small was caught when Mrs Robinson returned home from shopping and discovered the teenager on her roof, claiming she owed him £500 for repairs she had not asked for.

After she called the police, officers were waiting for the conman when he returned the following day for the money.

Mrs Robinson said: "When he came up and thought he was going to be paid... they [the police] clapped the handcuffs on him. It was quite something."

Brenda's neighbour, Katerina Hartley, said: "For anybody to stand up to a young man like that is very courageous - I just think she's brilliant."

Small will serve his sentence at young offenders' institute.

During the hearing, the assistant recorder told him he had "a significant impact" on victims.

He added: "It was mean offending. People in later life are vulnerable to your conduct and are suspect to suffering harm as a result of it."

Small was also being investigated by trading standards in South Gloucestershire.