A ROGUE builder who fleeced a 76-year-old out of tens of thousands of pounds failed to turn up at court to hear jurors convict him or a judge sentence him to five years in prison.

John Hart, who in 1998 featured on TV programme Builders from Hell, ripped off a vulnerable pensioner by taking cheques totalling £34,500 for work which would have cost no more than £6,000 to properly carry out.

Boxing coach Hart, of Hannington Place in Pokesdown, is the owner of Harts Gym. A warrant has been issued for his arrest after he failed to appear at Swindon Crown Court this week.

The defendant, 62, smashed a hole in the ceiling of his victim’s home in Swindon’s Old Town to make more work for himself, jurors heard.

The case against him has been running for almost three years after victim David Taylor went to police in August 2014.

Officers then spoke to Hart, who made an appointment to go to the police station for questioning.

But he failed to make that meeting and then repeatedly missed court dates, often citing medical conditions, which a judge said he didn’t believe were genuine.

After the trial finally got underway he attended the first two days but on Tuesday sent a series of messages saying he had been held up. When he failed to arrive a warrant was issued and the case continued in his absence.

As a result he was not able to give evidence.

Hart had denied a charge of fraud, saying all the work he did was agreed with the pensioner.

Judge Tim Mousley QC said: “This was offending that went on over a sustained period and it was also targeted, and I emphasise that word, at Mr Taylor because of his vulnerability.”

He commended the actions of plumber Steve Longman, who had been subcontracted by the defendant and told the victim to call the police.

“There is another factor: that is, the delay of this matter being concluded is all attributable to the defendant,” Judge Mousley said.

“He deliberately delayed matters knowing Mr Taylor’s vulnerability, hoping he would not be able to give evidence or worse.”

Hart will be dealt with for failing to surrender when he is caught and will also be pursued for the money he took under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Constable James Roberts from Swindon CID said Hart is a “manipulative individual” who preys on the elderly and vulnerable.

“I would urge anyone who knows of the whereabouts of John Hart or sees him to contact 999 immediately and give his exact location, direction of travel, description of clothing and any items he is carrying,” he said.

“It is possible that Hart has returned to the Dorset area or could still be in Wiltshire.”