Some of conman John Boy Hamer's elderly victims sat in Chester Crown Court yesterday to witness his sentencing and to stand up to those who prey on the vulnerable. LIZA WILLIAMS spoke to two victims.

DESPITE Nancy Kershaw and Albert Hatton needing a little help to walk into the packed courtroom yesterday, they were determined to see justice done.

One aided by a Zimmer frame and the other with a stick, they walked out of the building in a defiant mood after the man who took advantage of their vulnerability was sent to prison for three-and-a-half years.

'When you get older it takes you a little longer to think and you trust people because you need help. But as soon as that man had left after pushing his way into my home, I knew he had conned me. I felt so angry,' said 82-year-old Mrs Kershaw, of Tarvin.

On January 3, John Boy Hamer rang her doorbell, claiming her guttering needed work.

'I was a bit upset,' she said, 'as I had only just done the house up 18 months before and did not know where the money would come from.'

Hamer managed to get around Mrs Kershaw into the house and then claimed he had already completed the work, saying it would cost £140.

'I thought he meant £1.40, so I reached for my purse and got a fiver out. He then got angry and threatening and said '£140'.'

Mrs Kershaw did not have this money to give but managed to find £60 and handed it to him.

'Luckily, my neighbour's 11-year-old son, who was playing outside, came in and disturbed the man but even then he was still lying. He said, 'Oh yes, I know Ben', but it did frighten him off.

'He said he'd be back for the rest of the money and he was the next day but by that time we had called the police and my neighbours spotted his van. He left empty-handed.'

The case involving Albert Hatton, 87, of Upton, was taken into consideration during the court case. Hamer also rang his doorbell but claimed he was a new neighbour in the area.

'He was very convincing,' said Mr Hatton. 'He said my stepson Rod, who he referred to by name, had asked him to come over and fix some of the roof tiles and that he needed payment.'

'I was on my own as my wife had gone out.'

Mr Hatton was told by Hamer that the cost was £320.

'When I said I did not keep that kind of money in the house he said we had to go to the cashpoint. He drove me into town and I withdrew the money, even though by this point I wasn't sure.

'He started to drive me home but about 200 yards from my house he said he had run out of diesel and made me get out of the car. I had to walk the rest of the way, which I found hard as I am disabled and walk with a stick.'

'I am just glad he has been caught and I hope this is a message to anyone else who tries to play on vulnerability.'

Mrs Kershaw added: 'I can't believe he has done it to so many people but I am glad he is locked away now. It makes you feel terrible, knowing that people will do these things.

'The police and Trading Standards have been so supportive and kind and my neighbour Heather and her son Ben, who realised this man was up to no good, have been amazing. I am so thankful.'

Conviction renews cold call alert

Trading Standards officers are appealing to the public to be on their guard against bogus tradesmen following the conviction of cold-caller John Boy Hamer yesterday.

Cheshire trading standards chief Paul Mc-Greary, pictured, said: 'Our advice is very clear - members of the public should not enter into agreements for building work, house repairs, gardening or indeed any other services with people who cold call.'

'We advise that two or three quotations should be obtained from traders who have confirmed premises and whose work has been recommended, or whose previous work can be inspected.

'Look for a trader who is a member of a reputable trade association, and do not pay for work up front.'

Sgt Ian Morgan of Cheshire Constabulary added: 'Hamer is the type of offender agencies such as the police and Trading Standards go to great lengths to warn people about.

'He is callous and had no regard for his victims, many which were elderly and vulnerable.

'I'd like to thank everyone involved, especially the victims. Their bravery has helped us take Hamer off the streets.'