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 it could collapse. Later Mr Bryan became increasingly concerned for his “financial predicament” after being told extral work was needed. Mr Bryan contacted Dorset County Council’s trading standards department after noticing damp spreading through his home.

He was advised to write to Ball, setting out his grievances, and received a letter in December 2011 stating: “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.

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