AN OSWESTRY man described by a judge as ‘thoroughly dishonest’ was jailed for ripping off a vulnerable Wrexham man.

John Price, 36 and of Park Hall, Oswestry, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years at Mold Crown Court on Friday, October 25 for four counts of fraud by dishonesty failing to disclose information.

His wife Jamie Nadine Price, 27 and also of Park Hall, was given a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years after she admitted one offence acquiring criminal property, namely bank transfers amounting to £32,500.

The pair had previously pleaded guilty to the offences.

Judge Niclas Parry heard that John Price with another unidentified man cold-called at the Wrexham man’s home in November and December 2022.

Across the month, he and his unnamed associate took the man to his bank to withdraw thousands of pounds in cash after convincing him he needed numerous repair works on his roof, porch, fascia and guttering.

Very little work was actually carried out and an expert surveyor described what work that had been completed as ‘worthless’.

Price, who was not working at the time and was addicted to alcohol, then deposited the money into his wife’s account.

Police were eventually alerted by the bank who intervened when the male defendant and his associate tried to withdraw more money for roof work.

Wrexham Borough Council (WBC), who brought the prosecution against the Prices, said the repairs needed came at a price of around £7,000.

Judge Parry also heard that the victim was placed on anti-depressants as a result of the fraud and that was an aggravating factor in both defendants’ sentencing guidelines.

In mitigation, the court heard that John Price took a lead role in the fraud and that his wife ‘went along with it’ as a loyal spouse.

However, he maintained the working relationship between he and his victim had begun with legitimate intention but admits a line was crossed.

But he also disputed there was little value in his work though he also acknowledged he had no professional opinion of his own. The court heard that he insisted his wife was not part of a conspiracy.

Judge Parry was also asked to consider her role as a now sole parent to children with care needs.

“You are a thoroughly dishonest man," the judge said.

“Acting with another, no doubt in charge, targeting a man who lived alone and you must have terrified him.

“Why else would a man go to his bank to draw that amount in one month and give it to you.

“The work was done was worthless, it was a con and its cost the public thousands of pounds and hours of diligent work from the local authority to bring it to court.”

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To Mrs Price, he added a monthly review of her suspended sentence requirements including unpaid work and rehabilitation activity days.

The judge continued: “I don’t think you will do this so I will bring you back to court once a month and if you haven’t done what you need to then I will activate the suspended sentence.

“If it’s good you’re off in five minutes, if it’s not, you’re going down.”

Mr Price was also banned from cold calling and building work for three years unless with permission of WBC trading standards.