A ROOFER who charged £1,037 for materials worth just £35 has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

James Varey, who ran his own business, Varey Roofing, Building and Joinery, cold-called on 57-year-old Ronald Pratt in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and lied to him about needing work to his roof.

He told him that he needed beams and rafters and charged £1,037 for materials, but trading standards investigators found the actual cost would have been £35.

The 33-year-old father-of-one, of Bankside Close, Thirsk, admitted at Teesside Crown Court obtaining property by deception - £600 paid to him by Mr Pratt - and attempting to obtain property by deception -a £900 cheque from Mr Pratt which was stopped before it was cashed.

He also admitted recklessly making a false statement after telling Frances Elliott, of Sowerby Road, Thirsk, she would not need consent for a staircase to a loft conversion he was fitting for her and that the staircase would not need to comply with building regulations.

The defendant, a traveller, sobbed uncontrollably in the dock and appeared at one point to be visibly sick.

He was given a 50-week sentence, suspended for two years and must pay £2,710 in compensation and £1,540 costs.

Ruth Taylor, of trading standards, said she believed there were other victims of Varey and asked them to ring (0845) 4040506.