Bogus builder from Blackpool jailed for fraud
Patrick Coyle conned six victims out of £25000
A bogus builder from Blackpool who conned his victims out of thousands of pounds has been jailed for two years and four months.
57 year-old Patrick Coyle, who's from Common Edge Road, targeted his mainly older and vulnerable victims and took money from them in exchange for work which was never completed.
In total he conned his six victims out of £25,000.
Coyle pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.
A Lancashire police spokesperson said, "In one instance Coyle quoting one of his victims £9000 for repairs to a wall and was asked ‘what are the bricks made of, pure gold?
"In total Coyle conned his six victims – who were from Bispham, Lytham, Blackpool, Oldham and North Wales - out of £25,000.
"In statements the victims described how they felt betrayed by Coyle and were left feeling anxious and distrustful.
"One of them said Coyle knew her husband was dying, and he had taken advantage of that to target her."
Detective Con Jim Hall from Lancashire's Serious and Organised Crime Unit said, “Coyle’s behaviour is absolutely despicable.
"In targeting his victims, he has preyed on mainly elderly or vulnerable people and exploited them for his own personal financial gain.
"I welcome the custodial sentence given to him today.”