A rogue builder from Forest Hill has been handed an eight month prison sentence suspended for 12 months after conning two victims, including an elderly grandmother.

Ayhan Zekeriya, 43, was found guilty of two counts of fraud by false representation at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday (July 5).

Ian Johnson, reviewing lawyer at CPS London South, said: "Zekeriya deceived his victims by offering them services he had no intention of completing. He also prolonged the issue by refusing to acknowledge his dishonesty and electing for a trial.

"The prosecution was able to prove his guilt using bank statements, witness accounts and photos of the half-completed work. We also applied to the court for compensation for Zekeriya’s victims.

"I would like to thank the victims for working with us to secure this successful prosecution."

His first victim paid him £800 upfront to remove an old garden shed and replace it but Zekeriya only completed half the job and failed to return.

His second victim was 87 and was duped into withdrawing cash from Barclays branches after he promised to improve her conservatory in June 2015.

The victim withdrew a total of £7,100 before a bank cashier queried the transactions and alerted council officials who informed police.