Joe Smith targeted two victims over 11 months and was helped by his brother-in-law Michael Smith in the second con.

Between 16 and 25 September 2013 Joe Smith knocked on the door of a 78-year-old man on Malvern Close in Woodley. The victim paid him £4,200 for building work that was never undertaken.

Nearly a year later, between 31 July and 4 August 2014 ,the pair called at an address in Uppingham Drive, Woodley. They targeted an 80-year-old woman who paid the pair £1,430 for building work that was never carried out.

PC Chris Susel, who investigated the offences, said: “I would echo the comments of the judge in the case, HRH John Reddihough, who described these offences as ‘mean’ and ‘nasty’ where elderly and vulnerable victims were targeted.

“Joe and Michael Smith coerced their victims into parting with substantial amounts of money for building work that was either not required or completed.

“This type of door step crime, in this case fraud by representation, is taken very seriously by both Thames Valley Police and Trading Standards. I hope the sentences given to these two defendants will act as a deterrent to others who prey on society’s most vulnerable people.” Joe Smith, 45, of Mole Road, Sindlesham was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday April 24 to two years and three months’ imprisonment after being found unanimously guilty by a jury of two counts of fraud by false representation.

Michael Smith, aged 34, of Littleton Lane, Shepperton, Surrey, was sentenced to a six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work after being found unanimously guilty by a jury of one count of fraud by false representation.