A door-to-door tradesman is to stand trial for allegedly taking money for work which remained uncompleted.

John Reid is accused of fraudulently undertaking to carry out work to the property of one man, now 99, and gardening work at the home of another man.

The 43-year-old defendant is also said to have fraudulently loaned money from the older man, failing to meet an undertaking to make repayments.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing the defendant, of Mardale Street, Hetton-le-Hole, denied five counts of fraud, dating from October 20, 2017, to January 24, last year.

Read more: Rogue builder jailed after failing to pay compensation

The case was adjourned for a trial to take place at the court, starting on Monday, January 23, next year.

He was bailed to return to the court for the pre-trial recorded cross-examination of his alleged 99-year-old victim, on November 21, ahead of the trial.

His bail conditions forbid contact with either of the alleged victims.

Read next:

Tradesman left Spennymoor garden like a 'builder's yard'

Darlington gardener now in Bishop Auckland scammed pensioner

Stockton rogue trader in court after failing to complete work

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