A 75-year-old Poole man thought he was getting a good deal when a painter and decorator offered to do the work for half the sum he originally quoted.

But the work carried out to the outside of the bungalow was the worst a chartered surveyor had seen in 40 years, and after a few days, the workman started saying he would have to charge more.

“When I saw the quality of his work I really regretted ever dealing with him,” said Lawrence Kenny of Manor Avenue, Parkstone.

“He was just a con man.”

He called the police who alerted Borough of Poole trading standards who brought a successful prosecution against Michael McCann, 60, of Bowden Road, who overcharged Mr Kenny by £1,300.

After a three-day trial at Bourne-mouth Crown Court, McCann was found guilty of two counts of fraud and a further count of engaging in a commercial practice which contravened the requirements of professional diligence by carrying out a poor standard of work and overcharging.

He was also found guilty of providing a false name and address, ensuring the victim had no means to contact him once the work was completed.

Mr Kenny, a former sales rep and taxi driver, who has had a heart bypass, has diabetes and suffered a slipped disc, said he was no longer able to paint the bungalow himself. But he was disgusted with the standard of work, where wooden window frames and doors were not properly prepared or had holes filled in and paint was slapped over bricks.

Peter Haikin, regulatory manager, Borough of Poole said: “We heard during the trial from a qualified chartered surveyor who stated that the standard of decorating was the worst he had seen in 40 years and an extensive amount of remedial work was required to put it right. This case is about a trader looking to exploit an elderly vulnerable member of our community.

“We won’t tolerate such activities in Poole and this verdict serves as a stark warning to those people who think they can just get away with that.

“Trading Standards will use all means at their disposal to bring these traders to justice.”

The case was adjourned for sentence on October 29.

Warning from councillor

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole, said: “Anyone can be targeted, but rogue traders often focus on the most vulnerable and elderly members of the community.

“So if you need work done on your homes use our Trading Standards approved trader scheme buywith confidence.gov.uk or call 08454 040506 for details of vetted tradesmen.

“Rogue traders will soon get the message that they are not welcome to operate in Poole.”