Bogus builder preyed on cancer pensioner

GUILTY . . . Dornan

Jail for conman who stung elderly for thousands
A HEARTLESS swindler has been jailed for six years and nine months after conning an Oldham pensioner with terminal cancer out of £3,500 among other “despicable” crimes.

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, heard how Colin Dornan (52) stole thousands of pounds from other pensioners while pretending to be a police officer.

Dornan, of Accrington, was found guilty of burglary and conspiracy to defraud at an earlier hearing.

His accomplice, Timothy Raynor (32), of Darwen, was jailed for nine months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud.

In January, 2011, a terminally-ill 69-year-old victim, of Montgomery Street, Oldham, was targeted.

Dornan claimed he was a builder and said work was needed on the victim’s roof. Over the next few months he asked for around £3,500 — a few hundred at a time — for work that was never done.

In September Dornan stole £800 from the victim, and accomplice Raynor later called claiming to be an associate of Dornan’s and asked for more money. Police were called and both men arrested.

It emerged the thief had stolen money from other elderly and vulnerable victims after claiming to be a policeman.

Detective Constable Richard Whiting, from Oldham CID, said: “Dornan took just over £3,500 from his 69-year-old victim over a period of time and continued to tell lies.

“I would urge residents not to allow anyone into their home unless they have a valid identification. A genuine caller will be happy for you to check this with their employer.”


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