A Verwood man has been jailed after running a fraudulent landscaping business that targeted residents across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
James Knight, also known as Jimmy, was sentenced to five years and eight months at Bournemouth Crown Court following a prosecution by Dorset Council Trading Standards.
Knight had initially denied all charges but later pleaded guilty to all but seven, which the judge ultimately found him dishonest on after hearing evidence from the victims.
Knight advertised his services as a landscape gardener on social media, visiting customers to discuss work and often suggesting extra tasks at what appeared to be a competitive price.
He would then take large deposits for materials but only deliver a small quantity or do minimal work, sometimes disappearing without completing any work at all.
In some cases, customers were left with unfinished gardens or driveways in poor condition, and any work carried out was sub-standard.
The total value of the fraud was around £42,000.
Knight had previously been convicted of seventy-seven charges of fraud.
The judge also imposed an eight-year Criminal Behaviour Order, preventing him from offering or advertising services for work anywhere in the UK.
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