A rogue trader has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for defrauding a 90-year-old man out of £42,000 by overcharging for the installation of artificial grass.
Michael Gorman, 46, charged Roy Wilcox, a pensioner from Reading, an astonishing 52 times the standard rate for the turf installation. Additional charges included £900 for tree removal, £1,400 for a new fence, and £12,500 for concrete paving.
Gorman’s case was initially postponed in January as he claimed to need time to arrange care for his 83-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia. However, it was revealed that this delay ultimately prevented Mr. Wilcox from receiving any compensation, as he passed away before the sentencing.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Amber Athill detailed how Mr. Wilcox fell victim to Gorman after seeing an advertisement for MG Garden and Tree Services, which promised a “free quote with expert advice” and a discount for seniors. After contacting the company for tree removal, Gorman visited Mr. Wilcox’s home on November 8, 2021.
At the time, Mr. Wilcox lived alone and had no close family, making him especially vulnerable. Between November 2021 and April 2022, Gorman took advantage of this vulnerability, overcharging Mr. Wilcox for various gardening services without ever providing a price estimate or receipts.
Gorman even appeared at Mr. Wilcox’s door, demanding cash for fuel. The severity of the situation became evident when he attempted to charge £42,000 for the artificial grass installation. Shocked by the price, Mr. Wilcox trusted Gorman and wrote him a cheque, which later bounced due to insufficient funds.
Upon discovering the cheque issue, bank staff alerted the police, leading to Gorman’s arrest. He refused to comment during police questioning in October 2022.
In his victim impact statement, Mr. Wilcox expressed regret for falling victim to Gorman’s deception, stating he believed the trader was friendly and did quality work. He admitted feeling he should have verified the costs but trusted Gorman’s judgment.
Gorman, from Hartley Wintney, admitted to three counts of fraud, acknowledging that the actual value of the work was approximately £5,948.70. The judge highlighted the premeditated nature of the offenses, stating, “It is obvious that he was elderly and there must have been some planning.”
Defending counsel Francesca Kolar mentioned Gorman’s own vulnerabilities, including mild learning difficulties and recent personal struggles, but the judge concluded that the severity of the crime warranted immediate custody.
