Conman who victimised elderly Alzheimer’s patient jailed for 6 months

A NOTTINGHAM man has been jailed for six months after fraudulently charging an Alzheimer’s patient for building work he had no intention of doing.

Martin Paul Jacks, of Greystoke Drive, Bilborough, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday after admitting offences committed from 2014 to 2017.

The 41-year-old visited the patient – “Mr A” – at his Grantham home a number of times over three years to sell him building work on his property, claiming he worked for a company called “Riverside”. Mr Jacks received several cheques from the unsuspecting man, amounting to more than £12,000.

On one occasion, neighbours saw the fraudster force his way into the man’s house to try and get more money from him. Police attended after calls from concerned neighbours, and Mr Jacks answered the door.

He attempted to flee but was chased and caught by police who handed the case to Lincolnshire trading standards. Principal trading standards officer Andy Wright said: “Jacks drove specifically from his home in Nottingham to Grantham to prey on his victim. Mr A was a frail, elderly man who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Jacks clearly thought of him as an easy target.

“Mr A was undoubtedly scared of Jacks. Our investigation revealed that Jacks had visited his victim on a number of occasions over three years and taken cheques.

“He then used a cheque cashing service in Nottingham to obtain his ill-gotten gains.

“Court backlogs have delayed this case coming before a judge, but we’re pleased to see the judge agree that Mr Jacks should be behind bars. In this case it was only the vigilance of a close neighbour who saw Jacks force his way in, and the rapid response of Lincolnshire Police in Grantham, that helped us brings Jacks to justice.”

Martyn Parker, assistant public protection director for Lincolnshire County Council, added: “Mr A lived alone, and so his neighbours keeping an eye on him, and their quick action in calling the police, helped stop Martin Jacks from continuing to target him. This case also highlights the close working relationship between Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire trading standards. Both organisations work tirelessly to protect vulnerable residents like Mr A and stop the criminals who choose to take advantage of them.”