Anthony Evans told 88-year-old Doreen Whitton she needed urgent repairs to her Sunderland home which he would carry out.

As a result the retired headteacher handed over more than £1,000 in return for poor quality work – and the disposal of a squirrel's nest which never existed.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Evans, 38, who was on licence from a prison sentence for a similar scam on pensioners, visited Mrs Whitton's home in Fulwell on four occasions between March and August last year.

Mrs Whitton became suspicious after handing over £490 for Evans to dispose of the "nest" – which he claimed had to be removed straight away.

Prosecutor Simon Worthy told the court: "He went to the loft and reported to her she had a squirrel's nest in the loft and it would need to be removed immediately.

"There seems to have been a somewhat bizarre performance whereby some straw was put in a Morrison's bag and he brought it downstairs.

"Mrs Whitton asked where the squirrel was and he said it must have run away."

Evans was arrested after Mrs Whitton told a neighbour what had been going on and an investigation was launched.

The court heard how Mrs Whitton was particularly house-proud and took good care of the home which had been in her family for many years.

A surveyor who came to the property found Evans had carried out some "shoddy" workmanship at the property, using concrete instead of mortar.

A representative from Sunderland council said there had been no reports of problems with squirrels in the area.

Evans, of Ribble Walk, Darlington, admitted making a false representation.

The court heard Evans, a heroin addict, had been released on licence from a four year 10 month sentence for a similar scam just three months before his first visit to Mrs Whitton.

The sentence was imposed in 2005 for a series of deceptions carried out by Evans and others against elderly people who were ripped off with bogus building work.

One of the victims was a 91-year-old lady from Durham who was fleeced out of £7,500.

Another widow, in her 80s, from Sunderland, was charged more than £2,500 for work which should have cost just £50.

Pensioners in South Shields, Newcastle and Gateshead were also targeted.

Among other convictions, Evans also has a previous conviction for robbery where he struck a 78-year-old lady in the face and stole her purse.

Mr Recorder Ben Nolan jailed Evans for three years.

Defence barrister Kieron Rainey said Evans is now settled with a new partner who has recently given birth to his baby, has found legitimate building work and wants to turn his life around.

Mr Rainey said: "He is extremely ashamed. There is heartfelt remorse. He wishes to apologise to Mrs Whitton. He knows it was an appalling thing to do.

"He accepts it was shoddy work and he overcharged her."
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