A SERIAL doorstep conman has been committed for a second time in 18 months to serve a prison sentence for failing to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Order brought by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards.

David John Hanford, currently living in the Swansea area, was ordered by His Honour Judge Vosper QC, to serve a 12 month prison term, during the hearing at Swansea County Court on Friday (Mar 31).

The Court heard how within three months of being released in February 2016, Hanford had returned to work offering roofing services, despite previously assuring the Court that he would not do so, as he had a new job as a courier.

In June 2016, trading as Roofguard UK, he approached an elderly couple in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire and offered to clean their roof and renew the guttering for the discounted price of £400.

He wanted a £200 cash deposit straight away which he received. He returned a few days later asking for the remaining £200, which he again received.

He returned telling the couple the discount was no longer available and they would have to pay another £200. They paid £100 and Hanford wanted to drive the husband to a cash point to withdraw the remaining £100. The husband refused as he was his wife’s full time carer.

He reported the matter to the police and agreed to phone them if Hanford returned.

A couple of days later, Hanford returned and the police were called. Hanford was driving a van with parcels and he told the officer he was a courier. He said he would carry out the work for the couple that week but he never returned and he has not refunded any money.

A second couple from Cardiff had placed an advert online for roof repairs. They were contacted by Hanford in July 2016 who provided a quote for the work of £525.

He said no deposit was required and yet when the contract was agreed the following day, he insisted on a £105 deposit, which was paid. Hanford did not show up to start the work and the couple were given excuses for the delay. He has not returned since.

Pembrokeshire County Council obtained the Order against Hanford in 2012, when he was residing and trading in Pembrokeshire. The Order, made under the Enterprise Act 2002, sets out a number of terms protecting consumers which Hanford must not breach.

In these two cases, Hanford breached the Order by failing to give the 14 day cancellation notice, taking deposits and failing to carry out the agreed work.

Judge Vosper raised concern at the long history of complaints against Hanford, defrauding the elderly community. He said that in the case of the couple from Burry Port, although Hanford was employed as a courier, he was still engaging in a roofing business and using the van for both businesses.

“Pembrokeshire Trading Standards will always strive to deal with rogue traders and seek justice,” said Sandra McSparron, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council.