York Guides

A bogus builder who preyed on the vulnerable and elderly was yesterday banned from trading anywhere in England and Wales for the next five years.

Joseph Horner, 36, a Romany gypsy whose last known address was a caravan in a North Yorkshire field, was also jailed in his absence at York Crown Court for 12 months.

He was made the subject of what is thought to be the first Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order to stop a builder trading.

Horner, a father-of-six who cannot read or write, is believed to be on the run in southern Ireland and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He had previously admitted five offences under the Trade Descriptions Act.

The prosecution was brought by the City of York Council assisted by the North Yorkshire Trading Standards Department who were said to have been inundated with complaints about Horner.

Recorder Timothy Roberts QC said: "He targeted elderly couples who were not able to resist his blandishments. He deceived them into thinking that work was required. His behaviour has unsettled and distressed a number of elderly people."