BROTHERS convicted of conning £4,000 from a pensioner have avoided jail.

Paul and Dean Allen were handed 12-month suspended sentences after pleading guilty to tricking 79-year-old Joan Barmby.

Paul, of Sultan Way, Leytonstone, knocked in the door of the South Woodford resident in 2009 and offered to clean her car, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

He then started to borrow money from her during repeated visits and the debt grew.

He later said he needed the money to prevent himself being beaten up.

Allen then introduced his brother Dean, of Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, as a friend who would paint her house in lieu of payment.

Dean Allen then also took money from Ms Barmby without paying her back.

The con continued until her friend called the police when she believed Ms Barmby was on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

Speaking after the sentencing, Ms Barmby said: "I thought it was a good idea to get him motivated and so I gave the money over, but he kept asking for more and more.

“I have very mixed feelings about the conviction and although it was very good that they pleaded guilty I feel I have missed the opportunity to tell my story in court whilst they were both there.

“I felt very alone and didn’t even tell my friends what was going on. With all the promises Paul had given me I still believed that I could help him and that I would get my money back.”

Ms Barmby added: "I'm going to try to help other people to be aware of the problems of cold callers now. Paul and Dean now have their chances and if they don't take it then they're silly fools."

Sergeant Marion Kent said: “The sentence reflects the expectations of the victim and has very strict conditions. Any breach will result in the matter being brought back before the court with the risk of the custodial sentence being realised."

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