Kent Police has reported a rogue trader from Gillingham has been jailed after stealing almost £15,000 from a pensioner.
Amos Smith, 47, gave a false name to his victim as he completed ground clearance in the man’s Twydall garden throughout May and June of 2025. Initially he charged the homeowner, in his 70s, £11,000 for the work, which included removing trees and rubbish.
A month after groundwork was completed, Smith went back to the victim’s address telling him he owed more money. He told the man to walk with him to a local shop to withdraw cash, which he complied with on 5,6, 7, 9, and 13 August while Smith watched. In total, around £15,000 was handed over by his victim.
Smith was arrested on 14 April 2026 as he left prison, having finished serving a sentence for similar offences. The Gillingham Road resident was subsequently charged with 2 counts of fraud by false representation, which he admitted to at Maidstone Magistrates Court on 29 June 2026. At the same hearing, he was jailed for 2 years and 8 months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable James Finch said:
‘Smith took advantage of a vulnerable member of our community, and arrogantly thought he could get away with it.
‘The persistence with which he approached his victim shows he had a lack of remorse or reflection regarding his actions, which have left the man more anxious and hugely out of pocket.
‘We are satisfied he is behind bars and we hope that by getting his name and image out in public, others will avoid falling victim to this conman.’