A trader has admitted conning a couple on an upmarket estate who employed him to fit patio doors at their home.

Stuart Richard Wilson, 46, pleaded guilty to engaging in a commercial practice which involved misleading the victims and providing false information between August 7 2020 and February 23 2021.

The charge was brought by Stockton Council under unfair trading regulations and concerned a property in Davison Close, Wynyard, near Billingham.

No plea was entered to a separate charge of fraud by false representation, namely that Wilson would supply and fit swing and slide patio doors intending to make a gain for himself.

The defendant’s solicitor David Dedman said: “He was having a number of difficulties at this time and ended up robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

Michele Stowe, for Stockton Council, said compensation of £1,500 was being sought.

Middlesbrough magistrates stated that all sentencing options remained open, including the possibility of the case being referred to crown court.

The matters were adjourned until September 27 with a report from probation on Wilson, of Paddock Green, Wynyard, being sought in the meantime.