‘Prolific Offender’ Has Prison Sentence Extended

A Market Harborough man has had ten months added to a prison sentence after conning an elderly woman out of nearly £500.

William Wallace, who is serving over three years for preying on other pensioners, told the woman she had damage to her roof when he knocked on the door of her home in Corby with an associate in April last year.

After offering to repair it for £250, they upped the price to £490 following an inspection of the roof, telling the woman it had a hole in it.

The woman, aged in her 70s, then handed over the money.

When the victim told a family member what had happened, the roof was inspected, and the family realised that there had not been any damage and that Wallace had not attempted any work either.

William Wallace Pic: Northants Police

The incident was reported to Northamptonshire Police and following an investigation, Wallace was arrested and subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.

The 51-year-old, previously of Greenacres, Leicester Road, admitted the offence and was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court.

Wallace was previously jailed last October for tricking his way into the homes of pensioners in Rothwell, with the intention of stealing.

Lead investigator PC Brad Wilson said: “William Wallace is a prolific offender who has been convicted of similar crimes before and it is clear to see that he has not learnt his lesson.

“Preying on vulnerable people is utterly shameful and I hope Wallace realises that making money in this way is as far away from making an honourable living as it is possible to get.

“If you have been a victim of this kind of offence, please contact us. People like William Wallace are manipulative and well-versed in their criminal craft so do not feel ashamed or embarrassed if you fall foul of such deception.

“I’m glad Wallace has been handed a prison sentence and I want to reassure the public that we will continue working hard to bring people like him to justice.”