A FRAIL 81-year-old widow fell victim to "door-knock" fraudsters who tried to cash her cheques and obtain £5,600 from her account.

One cheque for £4.99 she gave Kieron Stones for cleaning goods was altered to read £3,000.

He also stole blank cheques during visits to the pensioner’s home in Callow End, near Malvern, and passed them on to Robert Kennerdale, the man described in court as the "gang-master" and organiser of a door-to-door sales team.

At Worcester Crown Court, Kennerdale, aged 50, of Whitegate Vale, Clifton, Nottingham, was jailed for 12 months and 22-year-old Stones, of Failsworth Close, Nottingham, was jailed for eight months.

Kennerdale was found guilty of two fraud offences by a jury and Stones admitted three counts of fraud and theft.

Recorder Martin Butterworth said Stones knew that the victim was confused and suffering from significant mental and physical problems.

He fleeced her by theft and his co-defendant facilitated the cashing of her cheques.

"Neither of you had a clue whether or not you were taking the last penny from his lady to line your own pockets," the recorder added.

Kennerdale drove the team down from Nottingham on October 25 last year to sell in Callow End, said Jane Sarginson, prosecuting.

Stones legitimately sold Mrs Ash goods valued at £80 but stole two blank cheques which were filled in to the value of £2,000 and £600 On November 5 he returned to the victim's house and obtained the £4.99 cheque for goods sold.

Her bank became suspicious over the crude alteration and refused to cash it.

The victim became an in-patient at a care home shortly after the crimes were carried out.

Stones was illiterate and at risk from suicide or self harm, said his barrister Houzla Rawat.

He came from a hard-working family who were deeply ashamed of his behaviour.

Sarah Turnock, for Kennerdale, said he was the carer of his elderly mother who would feel the impact of his prison sentence.

He had a record going back to 1971 for burglary, handling stolen goods, deception and violence.