A CONMAN who duped a pensioner out of his £1,500 savings for roofing work worth just £30 is facing jail.

Christopher James Pilkington, 36, who had taken his victim to the bank to get the cash after refusing to take a cheque from him, was remanded in custody until April 6, after his friend offered to contribute towards compensating the victim.

Judge Raymond Bennett told the defendant that a prison sentence was still likely.

Pilkington, of Marsden Street, Accrington, had earlier been convicted of obtaining property by deception.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, at Burnley Crown Court, said one day last June, at 10am, the aggrieved was at home in Rutland Street, Blackburn, in his terrace house.

Pilkington knocked at the door, said he had done roofing work at a nearby house and had noticed the pensioner had problems with his roof. He claimed the lead flashing needed replacing. The defendant was invited in and Pilkington said he would get some ladders. Mr Lamberty said Pilkington was convincing, seemed plausible and quoted the complainant £1,500. The victim offered him a cheque, but the defendant asked for cash and offered to run the elderly man to the bank.

Mr Lamberty said back at the house, Pilkington asked for £300 for materials, left, returned and said he would need four others to help. He told the complainant he would need a further £1,200. He left and did not return.

Pilkington later rang to say he was stuck in traffic and the pensioner, who had noted the registration of the defendant's van when it had been parked nearby, alerted the police.

Mr Lamberty said the victim was very angry and upset. A surveyor said the work should have cost £30.

Pilkington was later arrested and interviewed at Blackburn police station. He told officers he had taken only £15 from the victim and said he had not taken him to the bank.