A ROOFER who charged a disabled man almost £6,000 for repairs which should have cost £2,263 has been ordered to carry out unpaid community work.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Jonathan Ball had visited the Verwood home of David Bryan in July 2011 after Mr Bryan discovered damp patches on his kitchen ceiling.

After inspecting the roof Ball, 47, from Lyne Crossing Road, Surrey, said urgent work was needed otherwise the roof could collapse.

Later Mr Bryan became increasingly concerned for his “financial predicament” after being told additional work was needed. Concerned about the rising repair costs, he asked for an itemised bill and was told he would receive “a significant discount” if he paid by cash. An invoice finally arrived, informing him he owed £5,950.

Shocked Mr Bryan contacted Dorset County Council's trading standards department after noticing damp spreading through the upstairs and downstairs of his home.

He was advised to write to Ball, setting out his grievances, and received a letter in December 2011 stating: “I will be passing your letter to our legal team. If you continue with your complaint there is still the outstanding VAT of 20 per cent.”

The court heard how the “veiled threat” had caused Mr Bryan “great anxiety and worry.” A surveyor assessed the completed work and concluded that it should have cost £2,263.

Ball admitted failing to provide a written notice of cancellation and two charges of making a misleading action.

In his defence, the court was told that the offences were “technical” and there had been “a communication problem” between Ball and Mr Bryan.

A man of good character, Ball had carried out work which he hadn't charged Mr Bryan for. After major contracts had fallen through, he now found himself without an income or a company which has been taken over by his estranged wife.

Judge Samuel Wiggs ordered Ball to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 court costs.