Cowboy Builder Jailed for Ripping Off Pensioners
Conman Cheats Elderly Out of Thousands
Mark Kempster, 50, has been locked up for four years after scamming vulnerable pensioners across Hampshire. The dishonest builder conned elderly women by overcharging and often failing to complete promised roof repairs.
Shocking Scale of the Fraud
Between 2013 and 2015, Kempster targeted at least six women. He squeezed £15,000 from a 61-year-old woman in southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton by repeatedly demanding more money after ‘repairing’ her roof tiles. He also charged an 82-year-old woman in Alresford £1,860 for work that was never done.
In another brazen move, Kempster persuaded a 90-year-old in Andover her roof needed repairs. He asked for cash upfront and even drove her to a bank before fleeing when staff grew suspicious. An 84-year-old from Gosport handed over £2,650 for shoddy roof work that never materialised.
Police Take a Hard Line on Cowards Who Target the Old
“Mark Kempster targeted the elderly and the vulnerable and took substantial amounts of money from them,” said Detective Constable Paul Barry.
“This is a despicable type of crime. He showed no remorse and preyed on their good nature.”
“Many repairs were unnecessary, and those completed were poor and grossly overpriced.”
“This sentence sends a warning that Hampshire police will relentlessly pursue such offenders.”
More Court Action Pending
Kempster, currently of no fixed address, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court. A confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act is set for July 18 to recover money from his scams.
