A ROGUE trader who ripped off elderly victims in Somerset has been ordered to compensate them from his ill-gotten gains.

Fraudster Thomas Johnson must pay £6,500 under the Proceeds of Crime Act following a financial investigation into the profits he made from his illegal activity.

Johnson, 57, of Birtley Road, Guildford, Surrey, and his son, Tommy Johnson, 29, offered to resurface driveways for elderly people across the South West.

Johnson senior was jailed for 21 months suspended for two years and given a three-month curfew after pleading guilty to fraud at Exeter Crown Court last October.

His son got an 18-month sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to do 150 hours community service after admitting his part in the crimes.

They were both told to pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs after the court heard they targetted victims aged between 64 and 86.

They had used the name of a dissolved company, Nuway Surfacing Ltd, to cold call elderly people.

Thomas Johnson wore a meaningless identification badge that he had issued himself, and tried to make his vehicle look like an official highways maintenance car with orange lights fitted on top and reflective strips on the body to gain people's trust.

They charged their victims well in excess of the appropriate rate for driveway dressing work, which involves a film of hot tar covered by loose chippings.

The Johnsons’ guilty plea related to substandard work, fraudulent non-provision of cancellation rights, the use of false paperwork, and other articles for use in the fraud.

Somerset County Council’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, Cllr David Hall said: “This result serves as another reminder that we will not tolerate rogue traders in our area.

"We will continue to work hard to disrupt their activities, pursue enforcement action and use this legislation to ensure criminals do not keep all the proceeds of their crimes.

“Cases like this highlight the importance of using recognised, suitably qualified and accredited tradesmen.

"I encourage residents search for a Trading Standards approved businesses in Devon or Somerset through our ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk”