A THIEF who conned a vulnerable man out of £40,000 has been jailed for four and a half years after committing multiple offences against older people.

42-year-old John McCann, of Naaz Lane, Gloucester, admitted to four counts of fraud committed between 2013 and 2014.

He was described as a “cowardly, conniving conman” by His Honour Judge Cullum, who sentenced him at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, February 20.

The court heard that he stole from a vulnerable 63-year-old after offering to carry out work at his Bristol home.

He admitted to befriending the man before stripping him of his assets and stealing a wallet from his house.

The conman also broke into the home of a couple in their seventies and stole mutliple items including cash, an engagement ring and a wedding ring in April 2016.

He was arrested on Thursday, December 15 after being stopped by officers on the M4 at junction 22.   

Detective Constable Alastair Binnie said: “John McCann targeted a vulnerable elderly man, winning his trust and persuading him that he was his friend before fleecing him.

"Not satisfied with this he was also responsible for burgling the home of a couple in their seventies, smashing the patio door and stealing jewellery of great sentimental value."

Avon and Somerset Police have issued the following advice to those with a vulnerable elderly friend, neighbour or relative:

• Check out information about common scams and how to report them on the Action Fraud website and let them know what to look out for.

• Help them to get three quotes from reputable trades people if they need to have work done on their home or garden.

• If you're worried that a vulnerable person is paying over the odds for maintenance work, work that's unnecessary or is carried out to a poor standard, report it to Trading Standards through Citizens' Advice on 03453 04 05 06.

• Help them get to the bank - or with online banking - to encourage them not to keep cash at home.

• Just say hello - pop round for a cuppa and a chat. We know people who have regular contact with a network of friends are less likely to fall victim to scams.