A dishonest tv aerial repair man conned elderly householders out of cash for work that did not need doing, a jury heard.
Keith Matthews (59) denies 10 counts relating to four incidents of fraud and engaging in unfair commercial practice, between April 2011 and March, 1012.
John Hallissey, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court: "The defendant is a deceitful, dishonest trader of the very worst kind.
"The sort of trader who gives hardworking honest upstanding businessmen a bad name.
"He uses a variety of names, installing aerials on people's roofs.
"He preys on the vulnerable and deliberately targets the elderly.
"Matthews was party to carrying on of businesses One Digital and Aerials Direct for a fraudulent purpose and wasn't in business genuinely to repair but aimed to con people to do work that didn't need doing and overcharge."
One of the alleged victims was an 89-year-old man who ended up paying £4,900 for aerial repairs and "shoddily" carried out odd jobs, that the prosecution claimed should not have amounted to more than £490.
Matthews, of Station Road, Quorn, was not in court.
Judge Head told the jury they were not to draw any inferences because the trial was taking place in his absence.
Mr Hallissey said Leicestershire County Council's trading standards department carried out a sting operation, using an actress posing as a vulnerable pensioner at a house in Hospital Lane, Blaby, in April 2011.
He said: "Microphones and cameras were installed and an expert in tv aerials examined the system in place and introduced a very small fault that could be repaired in five or 10 minutes."
Matthews allegedly sent an employee on the first day, who told the actress she needed a new aerial and fitted one.
He gave her a non-existent address on an invoice.
Matthews later arrived to tune in the TV set and also gave a false name of "Gary," along with a bogus address on an invoice, which stated there was a five year guarantee.
Mr Hallissey said: "The prosecution say it was a worthless, utterly meaningless guarantee with a false name and address on it."
The trial continues.
