A JAILED rogue trader who ripped off elderly and vulnerable people has been ordered to pay back £145,000.

Albert Brazil, 58, admitted three charges of fraud and two charges of money laundering in Fareham, Gosport, and Liphook.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Brazil targeted elderly people and told them they needed work done to improve their homes.

Brazil, of Amberley Close, Botley, overcharged them for the work, which was later discovered to be of low quality.

Hampshire Constabulary's Financial Investigation Unit investigated and on Friday, Recorder Patrick Clarkson QC made a confiscation order totalling £145,000.

This included £8,561.50 to the victim of the Fareham fraud, a man in his 90s, £11,667.50 to the victim of the Liphook fraud, a woman in her 70s, and £458.50 to the victim of the Gosport fraud, a man in his 80s.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Scott Lymbery, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Financial Investigation Unit, said: “I am happy that the victims in this case, who were vastly overcharged by Brazil, will get back their money.

“These orders were secured using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"The power of this legislation has been used to claw back money from a man who targeted the elderly and vulnerable for his own financial gain.

“We will continue to use these powers to make sure convicted criminals have to literally pay for their actions.”

For more information on how to prevent doorstep crime visit www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/news-and-appeals/campaigns/Doorstep_crime.