CONMAN Michael Roman has been jailed for more than five years after targeting elderly people in a series of distraction burglaries.

One of his victims had only just opened a letter from the hospital breaking the news her cancer was terminal and treatment was not working.

Roman, who is also known by the surnames Lawrence and Pearson, told his victims he was from the council or the water board.

After he was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, Wiltshire Police local crime investigator Ashton Schorah said: “He lied to gain entry into the homes of these vulnerable people leaving them feeling upset, worried and frightened.”

Roman, 46, of Sunny Bank, Bristol, was sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment after pleading guilty to four counts of distraction burglary and criminal damage.

On November 6 last year, he entered homes in Parklands in Malmesbury as well as Oaksey Road and Pinnocks Place in Swindon, telling the householders he needed to check their piping.

After forcing his way in to the homes he searched the properties. Although nothing was stolen, on the following day he carried out another distraction burglary in The Crescent, Westbury, where he ripped the internal CCTV camera from the wall.

“In all four incidents, elderly residents were targeted in their homes by Roman who pretended to be from the council or the water board,” said the investigator.

“These people should feel safe in their own homes, and Roman’s actions have taken that away from. During one of the incidents, he ushered the elderly lady into her living room and only left when she became very upset.

"He can be seen on CCTV footage covering his hands when touching door handles in an attempt to prevent police from identifying him.”

“I am satisfied with the sentence handed out today and would encourage people to talk to their elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours about not answering their doors to anyone who has not got official ID or who has not made an appointment to visit them.

“Anyone from the council or water board will be able to produce identification and would not cold call.

"I hope this case sends a clear message to those who engage in this type of criminal activity that our Community Tasking Team will conduct a robust investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they are put before the courts."