A rogue trader who used a false name to extract almost £15,000 from a Twydall pensioner has been jailed for two years and eight months. Amos Smith, 47, of Gillingham Road, Gillingham, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 29 June 2026 after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation.
Smith had carried out ground clearance work at the homeowner’s garden — trees removed, rubbish cleared — in May and June 2025, charging £11,000 for the job. Then, about a month after finishing, he returned to the victim’s address claiming more money was owed. He accompanied the man, who is in his 70s, to a local shop on five separate dates — 5, 6, 7, 9 and 13 August 2025 — watching while the pensioner made cash withdrawals. The total handed over came to around £15,000.
Smith was arrested on 14 April 2026 as he left prison, having completed a sentence for similar offences. He was subsequently charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, which he admitted at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court before the case was committed to Maidstone Crown Court, where he was sentenced on 29 June 2026.
Detective Constable James Finch, the investigating officer, said: “Smith took advantage of a vulnerable member of our community, and arrogantly thought he could get away with it. The persistence with which he approached his victim shows he had a lack of remorse or reflection regarding his actions, which have left the man more anxious and hugely out of pocket. We are satisfied he is behind bars and we hope that by getting his name and image out in public, others will avoid falling victim to this conman.”
Kent Police have publicly identified Smith to help protect older and vulnerable residents across the county from doorstep fraud.
Key information
- If you believe you have been targeted by a rogue trader, report it to Kent Police by calling 101 or online via the Kent Police website.
- Suspicious doorstep traders can also be reported to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
- Friends and family of elderly residents are encouraged to speak to them about unsolicited callers offering work, especially where large cash payments are requested.