A 'professional conman' who defrauded vulnerable victims out of more than £500,000 has been banned indefinitely from cold calling and selling home improvement products.

Joseph Oliver, from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, was jailed last July after he admitted two charges of being involved in a fraudulent company.

The 34 year-old was also banned from being a company director for ten years.

Trading standards officers from Anglesey, Lancashire and a regional investigation team found Oliver had targeted 39 people - including nine locally - aged between 53 and 93.

His crimes had a detrimental effect on the health of the victims, who described Oliver as 'calculating', 'manipulative' and 'ruthless'.

During sentencing at Mold Crown Court, Judge Timothy Petts described Oliver as a man who "exploited elderly and vulnerable victims" through "appalling dishonesty".

Last month, he was also served with a criminal behaviour order which prevents him indefinitely from being involved with any business that engages in cold calling.

He is also banned from any involvement with businesses that sell any any home improvement products or warranties to consumers which involves Oliver approaching them at their home.

Oliver, who is serving a four year and nine month prison sentence, must also pay back £7,612.61 in compensation to three of his victims who suffered the biggest losses, including one from Anglesey.

If he comes into money, there is also an option of going back to confiscate the rest of the criminal benefit figure - up to £1.2 million - under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Cllr Nicola Roberts, who holds the public protection portfolio at Anglesey Council, said: "Exploiting vulnerable individuals in this manner is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We commend the bravery of the victims who helped Trading Standards officers to bring this man to justice."

"Sadly, the level of compensation these three victims will receive pales into insignificance compared to the suffering caused by Oliver."

"However, I'm pleased that – working with our partners – that we've managed to secure some recompense on their behalf and that we also have the option of returning to the courts to secure more compensation."

"If any resident has experienced problems of this nature or has concerns about the trading practices of a particular trader, they are encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, if not for their own benefit, to help us to protect other vulnerable members of the community."

Anyone who believes they may be the victims of fraudsters can also visit the Action Fraud website.