76-year old Kirkby fraudster victim speaks of heartache

Over a 10-day period in October 2017, Sean Ayres targeted elderly and vulnerable victims in the Chilwell, Basford, Selston, Kirkby, Annesley, Underwood and Brinsley areas of Nottinghamshire.

He would claim to have done work to either the roof or guttering, before demanding money, despite having never carried out any of it. His victims were aged between 76 and 90-years-old, with some of them handing over money out of confusion.

The 23-year-old, of Shawlands Crescent, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, has been jailed for 30-months after pleading guilty to nine counts of fraud by false representation.

Ayres was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 23 August 2018 after being on remand.

Detective Constable Rebecca Brosgarth said: “I am so pleased for the victims that Ayres is now behind bars.

“He relentlessly preyed on the elderly and vulnerable, knowing that they would be easily confused into giving him money. These victims have been left in fear of opening the door to anyone, along with feeling humiliated by the way they were duped by this man. I hope this sentencing offers some peace of mind for them and other elderly residents.

“Most of the reports came to us via family members or neighbours and I urge people to continue to look out for any and all elderly people in either their care, or the care of others.

“I also want to thank the public for their assistance with this investigation. We put a media appeal out in October which generated a lot of concern and interest, as well as a number of calls being made to our control room with information.”