Handyman conned OAP

A heartless handyman tried to con an“elderly and frail” Scone old-age pensioner out of £2500 by telling him his roof had loose slates and was infected by woodworm.

But when John Glendinning went to the TSB to withdraw the cash, the bank employee became suspicious and the police were contacted.

When officers went to the victim’s home, they discovered a four metre by two-metre hole in the roof and 21-year-old James Townsley, of Marshall Crescent, Luncarty, was still on the site.

Sheriff William Wood told the accused he took a“dim view”of his actions and said he had considered a jail sentence.

But his lack of record - and his age - led to a Community Payback Order being imposed instead at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

He will have to complete 135 hours of unpaid work within five months and pay £100 in compensation.

He admitted fraudulently trying to obtain the £2500 from the pensioner by telling him that the roof had loose slates, woodworm and rotten wood.

Townsley was admonished on a second charge of flouting European legislation by failing to supply a notice telling the OAP of his right to cancel the contract.

A not guilty plea to both charges was accepted from a co-accused, John Kinloch (27), of Scott Street, Perth.

Townsley was given 14 days to pay the compensation.