A DODGY tradesman used his gypsy heritage to threaten and intimidate a couple who accused him of ripping them off.

Michael McDonagh made a number of veiled threats when he was confronted with allegations his work had been shoddy and overpriced.

The 36-year-old was accused of targeting the couple after identifying them as a soft touch before taking the husband to a cashpoint and persuading him to withdraw an extra £200 to cover the bill.

Once he was challenged about the cost of the work, McDonagh said to the woman customer ‘us gypsy boys know lots of people in many places – things can and do wrong'.

The victim then alerted the police to the threats and intimidation.

Sentencing the defendant to an 18-month community order, Judge Howard Crowson said: “This aggravated by the fact there were two offences and that was a rather threatening tone taken later and you can appreciate it, that could have been disturbing for your victims.

"I suspect it was only words as it has not been backed up by any action and I trust it never will."

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she was worried that they would come back and try to get more money from the couple.

Teesside Crown Court heard how McDonagh’s work was described as ‘unwarranted’ and ‘unfit for purpose’ by a building inspector.

Joseph Hedworth, prosecuting, said McDonagh carried out work on the couple’s home on two separate occasions.

He said the defendant initially repaired some damage to the capping on her roof and then offered to clear her gutters. He charged her husband £200 despite telling his wife it was £160.

Less than a week later, the defendant turned up at their door and told her he was finishing off the work but instead persuaded her that she needed more work carrying out on the property.

Mr Hedworth said the defendant and an unknown associate were very 'pushy' and carried out the work after she consented while under 'pressure'.

The court heard how McDonagh drove the husband to the bank to withdraw cash to cover the bill but he refused to pay an extra £200 for materials.

The judge ordered that McDonagh to pay £520 in compensation.

Matthew Hopkins, in mitigation, said: "He has managed to raise £320 from his benefits and loans from his family. He says, given time he will be able to raise more.

"The defendant has fully accepted his wrongdoing and has asked to communicate his regret and remorse through me."

McDonagh, who pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly make false representation to make gain, was also ordered to attend 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days to address his offending.

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