Two rogue traders jailed for conning elderly Canterbury couple out of around £55,000
he men targeted a couple in their eighties with roof and ground works they did not need
Two rogue traders who targeted an elderly Canterbury couple in a building scam worth thousands of pounds have been jailed.
24-year-old Benjamin Kelly and 53-year-old John Cassidy, both from Plains Avenue in Maidstone, repeatedly preyed on the couple, who are in their eighties.
They conned the pair into believing their house needed extensive repairs.
An investigation by Kent Police found the victims were targeted because of their vulnerability.
How the scam unfolded
On 27th August 2025, the couple received an unexpected visit from Kelly and Cassidy, who claimed to work for a company called Impact Roofing.
It was agreed the couple would pay £40 to repair some loose ridge tiles at the end of the roof.
After the work was carried out, Kelly showed the victims some footage and a broken tile, claiming more problems had been found.
The costs escalated as the two men kept returning.
The couple were conned into paying for an entire new roof, as well as extensive ground works to fix a false claim that their house had structural damage because it was close to a railway line.
In total, the victims paid around £55,000 for work that was not needed.
Police said Cassidy and Kelly would take the cheques and leave other men to carry out the work.
The fraud took place between 29th August and 28th September 2025.
Voice messages revealed targeting
Police said voice messages Kelly sent to one of his contacts described the victims as "the best people" because of "their lack of family and living in a posh town".
In the messages, he also described how a cheque for £18,000 came immediately after he suggested £42,500 for the roof.
Arrest and sentencing
On 29th September, Kent Police received a report about two suspicious men, and officers went to the address.
After speaking to the couple, officers uncovered the extent of the rogue trading, and Kelly and Cassidy were arrested.
Both men were charged with fraud by false representation.
They pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court and were sentenced on Friday 16th October 2026.
Kelly was jailed for three years.
Cassidy was jailed for three years and four months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Grigson said: "The tactics employed by Benjamin Kelly and John Cassidy were aimed at scaring residents into paying overinflated prices for work that was not needed. They were ruthless in their behaviour."
She added: "These victims trusted the advice which sounded so convincing by supposedly legitimate builders. Fortunately their very visible antics attracted suspicions and they were quickly arrested following the report made to police."
How to stay safe from doorstep fraudsters
Kent Police is reminding people of the steps they can take to deter doorstep fraudsters, who often seek to carry out work that is either completely unnecessary or substandard.
Police advise:
Do not deal with people who knock on your door offering work on your home or garden, and call the police if you have any concerns.
Genuine companies will not expect cash in advance or pressure you to go to the bank to withdraw money.
Use reputable traders who are members of Trading Standards Checked.
Ask for quotes in writing and make your own checks that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from.
Ring at least three traders to get a feel for the average price of a job.
If a crime is in progress, call 999.
Otherwise, report any problems involving suspected rogue traders on 101, or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.