Fraudsters jailed after conning Canterbury couple in house repairs scam

Two rogue traders who targeted an elderly Canterbury couple in a multi-thousand pound building scam have been jailed.

Benjamin Kelly and John Cassidy repeatedly preyed on the couple in their eighties, conning them into believing that their house needed extensive repairs.

The fraud took place between 29 August and 28 September 2025 and an investigation by Kent Police revealed that the victims were targeted due to their vulnerability.

Voice messages sent by Kelly to one of his contacts described the victims as ‘the best people’ due to ‘their lack of family and living in a posh town’ and how when he suggested £42,500 for the roof, they got a cheque immediately for £18,000.

On 27 August 2025, the residents received an unexpected visit from Kelly and Cassidy, who claimed to work for a company called Impact Roofing.

It was agreed to pay £40 for the repair of some loose ridge tiles at the end of the roof. After the work was carried out, Kelly showed the victims some footage and a broken tile, claiming that more problems had been found.

The costs soon escalated as the two men kept returning, and the victims were conned into paying out for an entire new roof, as well as extensive ground works to remedy a sham claim that their house had structural damage due to its proximity to a railway line.

In total around £55,000 had been paid by the victims for work that wasn’t needed.

Cassidy and Kelly would take the cheques and leave other men to carry out the work.

Police called

On 29 September, Kent Police received a report about two suspicious men, leading to officers attending the address. Upon speaking to the residents, the extent of the rogue trading was uncovered and Kelly and Cassidy were arrested.

Kelly, 24, and 53 year old Cassidy, both of Plains Avenue, Maidstone, were each charged with fraud by false representation.

At Canterbury Crown Court they pleaded guilty and on Friday 16 October 2026, they were sentenced.

Kelly received a three-year custodial sentence. Cassidy was given a custodial sentence of three years and four months.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Grigson said:

‘The tactics employed by Benjamin Kelly and John Cassidy were aimed at scaring residents into paying overinflated prices for work that was not needed. They were ruthless in their behaviour. 'These victims trusted the advice which sounded so convincing by supposedly legitimate builders. Fortunately their very visible antics attracted suspicions and they were quickly arrested following the report made to police.’

Staying safe

Kent Police is reminding residents of the steps to take to deter doorstep fraudsters, who often seek to carry out work which is either completely unnecessary or which is substandard.

• Do not deal with people who knock on your door offering work on your home or garden and if you have any concerns call the police.
• Genuine companies will not expect cash in advance or pressure you to go to the bank to withdraw money.
• Use reputable traders who are members of the KCC Trading Standards approved trader scheme Trading Standards Checked
• Ask for quotes in writing and make your own checks that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from.
• Ring at least three traders to get a feel for the average price of a job.

If a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise report any problems involving suspected rogue traders via 101, or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.