A rogue builder who took cash deposits from potential clients but never carried out the work has escaped jail.

Former Salvation Army officer Brian Timbrell, 63, of Oakford Walk, Swindon, appeared for sentence at Oxford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, August 12) after admitting two offences of obtaining money by deception at an earlier hearing.

In June, Timbrell was warned he faced a custodial sentence because of previous convictions for similar offences.

But yesterday, Judge Julian Hall gave him a six-month suspended sentence.

A third offence, involving potential client Louise Wheadon of Radcliffe Road, Oxford, will remain on file.

Judge Hall told Timbrell: "You are a sick man. I'm told you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, deafness and possibly Alzheimer's, as well as having suffered three or four strokes.

"I am not going to send you to prison - because of your medical condition and because when you were dishonest, it was three or four years ago.

"But what you did was dishonest."

Timbrell was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to Tony and Angela Glead, of Wooton Bassett, near Swindon, and a further £500 to Graham Fox of Compton Basset, near Calne, Wilt- shire.

Mark Watson, prosecuting, said Timbrell, who traded as B&B Builders, told both the Gleads and Mr Fox he was involved with the Salvation Army. Mr and Mrs Glead were given an estimate of £4,200 for a new extension, and paid a £2,000 deposit in September 2000.

No work was carried out because Timbrell said he was not in good health.

"He strung them along with excuse after excuse, saying he'd been ill and in hospital," said Mr Watson.

Mr Watson said Mr Fox had contacted Timbrell in February 2001 and was quoted £9,000 for building work. He paid a deposit of £4,500.

When no work followed, Timbrell claimed workmen had gone to the wrong house and the contract had been given to another builder.

Timbrell was said to have served 18 months' imprisonment in 1973 for 10 similar offences and had been declared bankrupt in 2001.

Defending, Peter Fortune, said: "These transactions coincided at a time when his health was beginning to deteriorate, as well as his relationship with his wife.

"He took the money at a time when there was no prospect of him doing the job. His medical problems led him into this situation."