A FATHER and son who targeted elderly residents and “grossly overcharged” for unnecessary roof work have been jailed.

Kevin Sherwood senior, 62, of Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, and Kevin Mark Sherwood junior, 39, of Craigmoor Avenue, Bournemouth, were found guilty by a jury for two counts of fraud after cashing £118,000 for unnecessary building work.

The pair were jailed at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday.

The Crown Prosecution Service’s case was that the Sherwoods targeted two elderly residents, one in Corfe Mullen aged in his 80s and one in Poole aged in his 70s in 2017.

They pocketed £50,000 for roof work in Poole in July 2017 which chartered surveyor Philip Sealy said was only worth £8,600.

The second victim was charged £126,000 for work believed to be valued at £40,000, although the work was deemed unnecessary, and the jury decided the amount the Sherwood’s dishonestly took was £76,000.

Sherwood junior then banked the money, before sending it to members of his family and spending it on gambling.

Mitigating for Sherwood senior, Malcolm Gibney told the court the work carried out was to a good standard and the valuations were up for debate, with the money the Sherwood’s took totalling at £77,000 for both counts.

Mitigating for Sherwood junior, Nick Robinson said the defendant played a “secondary role” and that he followed his father, viewing him as a “God-like figure”.

Giving evidence at the sentencing, Sherwood junior’s pregnant wife, Emma, said her husband had “turned his life around” since the offending and that she “wouldn’t cope” if he was sent to prison.

Despite this, Judge Brian Forster QC sentenced the father and son to three years and six months imprisonment.

“You worked as builders and took advantage of elderly members of the community.” Judge Forster said.

“You carried out unnecessary work and grossly overcharged for what you did.

“The money obtained was quickly dispatched off to family members and part of the money was used for gambling.”

Judge Forster said it was “obvious” to Sherwood junior where the money was coming from and that he played an “integral part” in the proceedings.

“I can find no real basis to distinguish your roles, you both played an active part,” he continued.

“I accept the work was carried out to a good standard.

“Of course, if the work was unnecessary, the fact it was carried out to a good standard does not count for much.

“The intention was the exploitation of older members of the community.

“The work was unnecessary and there was a gross overcharging for the work.”

After the case, detective constable Jo Poultney, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I would urge anyone with concerns about vulnerable neighbours or relatives who are potentially being targeted by rogue traders in this manner to please contact us.

“We would always advise against accepting work from doorstep traders. If you think a job needs doing, we would suggest getting multiple quotes from reputable traders and take time to think it over.”