A CONFIDENCE trickster who charged an elderly woman more than £100,000 for unnecessary building work at her home has been sentenced to five years in jail.
Jonathon Mills, 46, was a 'callous and skilful' conman who charmed the 74-year-old victim before overcharging her for building and gas work.
Exeter Crown Court was told that Mills, who was convicted to three years in jail in 2001, for almost identical offences in Paignton, was a fantasist. who forged friendships with a number of unnamed women.
He would tell them that he owned fast sports cars and a helicopter as part of the deceit.
Mills even told his victim in Ashburton that he had played tennis for England but had given it up due to injury.
His victim, who had recently been widowed, described him as an attractive and capable man. She still regarded him as innocent of the charges.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and one of engaging in an unfair practice.
Recorder John Williams said Mills, from Heathfield in South Devon, had shown no remorse or degree of empathy with his victim and would do the same again if given the chance.
