A Nottingham man has been jailed for six months after fraudulently charging an Alzheimer's patient for building works that he had no intention of doing. Martin Paul Jacks, from Greystoke Drive, Bilborough, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday (November 11) after admitting his crimes which were committed between 2014 and 2017.
The 41-year-old visited the patient at his home in Grantham on a number of occasions over three years to sell him building work on his property, claiming he worked for a company called ‘Riverside’. Over his visits, Mr Jacks took 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 then attended the property after calls from concerned neighbours, and Mr Jacks answered the door, reports Lincolmshire Live.
Read more: Cotgrave neighbours concerns after catalytic converters stolen
He attempted to flee the scene but was chased and apprehended by police who handed the case to Lincolnshire trading standards. Principal trading standards officer, Andy Wright, investigated the case.
He 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 for fictitious building work. 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 director for public protection at Lincolnshire County Council, added: "On this occasion, simply looking out for a neighbour helped bring this career criminal to justice. 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."
READ NEXT:
