A ROGUE builder scammed elderly clients out of more than £17,000.

Peter Gaskin, a director of New Look uPVC Specialists Ltd, admitted eight counts of unfair trading practices.

The charges related to four incidents in April last year, where elderly clients had contracted the company to carry out work to their homes. Collectively, the work was valued at £17,713.

However, Swindon Borough Council, which brought the case, said independent building surveyor inspected roofing and fascia work at one of the properties where New Look had been working. That work was found to have been of no value.

Following the hearing at Swindon Magistrates' Court, Cathy Martyn, borough council cabinet member for public safety, said:“For a rogue trader to take thousands of pounds from elderly Swindon residents is despicable and I am so pleased that the perpetrator has been brought to justice.

"Our priority is to keep residents safe and we will continue to support residents to help themselves so that they do not fall prey to rogue traders.

"I would take this opportunity to remind residents only to use businesses they trust. Local trustworthy traders who have been carefully vetted by Trading Standards can be found from our Buy with Confidence scheme: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.”

Gaskin will be sentenced at the crown court on September 6.