A COWBOY builder who fleeced more than £5,000 from an elderly Oakwood pensioner is now behind bars.

Fraudster Felix Rooney carried out shoddy work on then elderly woman's driveway but still demanded payment.

Another family who refused to pay for Rooney's sub-standard handiwork were threatened with violence if they didn't hand over the cash.

Rooney then drove the father to a cashpoint and made him withdraw more than £2,500.

Following complaints, Enfield Council's trading standards launched an investigation and Rooney was caught thanks to a tip-off.

He was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court, in Lordship Lane, on Friday, to 17 months imprisonment after admitting fraud and blackmail to cause fear of violence.

Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment, said: "Rooney was not just a grubby con man, he was a vicious criminal who traded in lies, fear and violence.

"The judge, our trading standards and legal officers have done a great service in putting this despicable man behind bars."

Officers are now looking into the money Rooney made from ripping off residents in order to provide compensation to his victims.