A CROOKED builder who told police: “I can charge what I want to who I want” has been jailed for trying to rip off pensioners.

Glen Pardoe mainly preyed on elderly residents who lived alone but also charged one 54-year-old victim three times the going rate for home repairs.

Birmingham Crown Court heard he had a string of previous convictions and was previously jailed ten years ago for tricking a 72-year-old man into paying £19,000 for roof repair work.

Now the 53-year-old, of Shirestone Road, Kitts Green, has been locked up for a fresh 16-month term after admitting four counts of fraud.

His latest victim was Margaret Walsh, aged 54, of Belchers Lane, Alum Rock, who paid £18,740 for work beginning in May last year which should have cost nearer £6,000.

She was the only person to lose money but Pardoe also quoted £1,300 to replace ridge tiles on two terraces which should have cost nearer £500, the court heard.

Neighbours Robert Baker, aged 81, and June and Sidney Wakeman, in their 70s, of Gauden Road, Stourbridge, had a lucky escape after Pardoe targeted their homes in February.

Pardoe also quoted 73-year-old David Churchill £11,000 for roof repairs which should have cost little more than £4,000 after cold-calling at his home in Gorsty Hill Road, Rowley Regis, the same month.

Lal Amarasinghe, prosecuting, said Pardoe had 17 previous convictions and was jailed for two-and-a-half-years in 2001. He said Pardoe insisted he was a “legitimate business” when he was arrested in February.

Michael Garrett, defending, said Pardoe tried to go straight and set up a “proper business” called GC Builders but suffered a “relapse”.

After the hearing, Pardoe’s jail term was welcomed by police. Det Chief Insp Sab Johal, who led West Midlands Police’s investigation, said: “We are pleased this man is no longer free to target the most vulnerable in our society, tricking them into handing over large amounts of money.”

>>> Victims tell of a "terrible man".>>>>