Tougher sentences for conmen welcomed by Notts Council

The Sentencing Council is issuing guidance which now includes the emotional impact on victims when considering an unscrupulous trader’s sentence.

People found guilty of fraud could face heavy fines or up to ten years in prison.

Previous sentencing guidelines meant lower sentences where the financial loss is relatively small but the impact on the victims is high.

Chairman of the County Council’s Community Safety Committee, Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, said: “In the many cases of doorstep crime that we deal with even a small loss can have a huge impact on older people and the vulnerable.

“They can suffer emotionally and psychologically, lose confidence and become more dependent on friends and family which should be taken into account when a judge is deciding the sentence for such heartless conmen.”

To report a scam, cowboy builders or other consumer complaints contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.