'Despicable' bogus builder conned vulnerable clients

Coyle's crimes were deemed calculated and shameful by the judge

A bogus builder who conned his victims out of thousands of pounds has been jailed.

Scammer Patrick Coyle targeted "mainly elderly or vulnerable" victims, taking money from them in exchange for work which was never completed.

Coyle, 57, of Common Edge Road, Blackpool, admitted six counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced to 28 months in jail at Preston Crown Court.

Sentencing him, Recorder Fiona Clancy described Coyle's offending as calculated and shameful.

Det Con Jim Hall, of Lancashire's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: "Coyle's behaviour is absolutely despicable.

"In targeting his victims, he has preyed on mainly elderly or vulnerable people, and exploited them for his own personal financial gain.

"I welcome the custodial sentence given to him today."

In one instance, police said Coyle - quoting one of his victims a fee of £9,000 for repairs to a wall - was asked: "What are the bricks made of, pure gold?"

In total, Coyle conned six victims – who hailed from Bispham, Lytham, Blackpool, Oldham and North Wales - out of £25,000.

In statements, the victims described how they felt betrayed by Coyle and were left feeling anxious and distrustful.

One of them said Coyle knew her husband was dying, and had taken advantage of her vulnerability at that time.