TWO men have been sentenced to four years in prison for tricking money out of an elderly man from Coggeshall.

Steven “Donny” Taylor, 29, of Rectory Road, Tiptree and Billy-Joe Temple, 29, of Maldon Road, Tiptree, were jailed at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday for two years each after admitting to one count of fraud by false representation.

They conned �5,400 from the victim, a man in his 70s, after harrassing him over a period of six months from the summer of 2010 by Taylor and Temple.

They claimed to be from a company that had previously carried out building work on the man’s property, demanding alleged unpaid fees.

After several visits the man felt pressurised and scared so paid the men what they were asking.

Fortunately, the pair were targetted under the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate which saw the arrest of 38 people in Essex last week.

His Honour Judge Gratwicke said both men had an active role in this particularly nasty offence. He called it despicable and called the effect on the victim sickening.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We would like to remind members of the public to be aware of rogue traders. “In particular any tradesmen who “cold call” and state that they notice work is required to either their building or garden.

“In all such cases it is advisable to use only reputable tradesmen, booked by prior appointment.”