A man who swindled elderly and vulnerable people out of over £1,200 posing as a gardener has been sent to prison for two years.

David Smith, 51, from Warwickshire admitted defrauding three residents in the Summerbridge area near Harrogate.

North Yorkshire police said Smith cold called homeowners, offering to do garden work and tidying but after taking payment carried out only a small amount of work and failed to return.

Investigating officer, PC Bill Hickson said: “Smith and criminals like him knowingly target vulnerable people. They behave in a way which I think can be fairly described as wicked and merciless.

"They pretend to be friendly and charming when all the time they are intent on stealing hard earned money. Being sent to prison is a just punishment. I am disappointed that the victims are unlikely to receive any compensation.

"The police and courts have powers to seize a criminal’s assets and Smith will be the subject of a Proceeds of Crime hearing.”