A dodgy driveway dealer from Shipley Bridge, who targeted residents in a village in East Sussex, has been handed a suspended jail term.

Miles Delaney, 23, of Green Lane, was prosecuted along with Johnny Rooney, 24, of Weald Street, Bampton, Oxfordshire, following an investigation by East Sussex Trading Standards.

Delaney, trading as Everlast Driveways, cold-called householders in the Plumpton Green area, offering to block-pave their driveways.

But while some residents were happy with the work, others complained they were hit with additional charges for things they were initially led to believe were part of the contract.

In a hearing at Hove Crown Court, East Sussex, on May 15, Delaney and Rooney, who both admitted participating in a fraudulent business, were each given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

They were also ordered to carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work.

The court further ordered each of them to pay £1,625 in compensation to their victims, and £1,000 in court costs.

Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “This case highlights how important it is for residents to be extremely cautious when dealing with doorstep callers.”

Coun Simmons said: “People should not be pressured into agreeing for work to be carried out straight away – even if they’re being offered discount prices.

“They should take the time to do their research and ensure they know who they're dealing with and are paying a reasonable price.

“This prosecution shows how seriously we take these matters and I’d like to commend our Trading Standards officers for their hard work and to thank Sussex Police and the residents of Plumpton Green for their assistance.”

Anyone who has concerns about traders in their area should call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.