Two Kevins Jailed for Ripping Off Vulnerable Pensioners in Bournemouth
Kevin Sherwood, 61, and Kevin Mark Sherwood, aka Kevin Doe, 39, both from Bournemouth, have been locked up for ripping off elderly victims. The duo each received three and a half years behind bars after being found guilty of fraud by false representation at Bournemouth Crown Court on 18 May 2021.
How The Scam Unfolded
The scandal began in July 2017 when Dorset Police were alerted by bank staff under a special protocol designed to protect vulnerable customers. An elderly man in his 80s from Corfe Mullen tried to withdraw a suspicious £5,000, supposedly for gardening. The bank became uneasy when he couldn’t explain the costs properly.
Police discovered the man had asked some men – later identified as the Sherwoods – to fix his roof. Over several months, the men did patchy work on his roof and garden decking. The victim paid them in cash but was clueless about the exact sum. Investigations revealed that up to £50,000 had been drained from his account and funnelled into Sherwood Jr’s bank account.
Massive Overcharging Exposed
- The jury ruled the Sherwoods falsely represented £50,000 as a fair price.
- A chartered surveyor valued the actual work at just £8,600 plus VAT.
Then there was a second victim from Poole, a man in his 70s, who was conned by a man claiming to be Kevin Sherwood. He was quoted nearly £15,000 for roof repairs and an extra £6,800 for a brick wall. The total bill ballooned to £76,800.
However, experts calculated the genuine cost should have been about £40,000.
Police Warn Against Rogue Traders
“These defendants targeted vulnerable elderly victims and massively overcharged them for work carried out on their home,” said Detective Constable Jo Poultney of Bournemouth CID. “I am pleased we could prove their fraudulent practices and bring them to justice.”
She urged the public to stay alert: “We advise against accepting work from doorstep traders. Always get multiple quotes from reputable companies and take your time before committing.”
If you suspect a vulnerable neighbour or relative is being targeted by rogue traders, contact Dorset Police immediately.
