A rogue builder has admitted making bogus representations to five householders - and engaging in "aggressive" trading.

Kevin Doyle's offending occurred in north and west Cumbria during 2017.

When he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court, Doyle - a 36-year-old Scotsman - admitted two charges of engaging as a trader in a commercial practice which was aggressive.

Court papers reveal he tried to persuade a Maryport householder to proceed with building work "when it was clear she wanted to cancel the contract". After arranging to speak with the woman about a possible job, Doyle is said to have called at her home and, in her absence, "began removing slates from the roof and fascia boards from the property".

Doyle also admits, later in 2017, being "aggressive" to a Whitehaven man; and being "very pushy" in getting the householder to eventually agree to have his roof replaced - when actually he didn't want that done.

Doyle also admitted five charges of fraud by false representation. These charges reveal he purportedly provided four different people with documents to sign and agree building work and prices - and asked a fifth to sign a building work quotation. But, by signing these documents, those five people were "actually purportedly waiving" their respective legal rights to cancel contracts.

These frauds occurred at addresses in St Bees, Wigton, Maryport and Whitehaven.

In view of the defendant's guilty pleas, Judge James Adkin adjourned the case for a probation service report to be prepared. Doyle, of Dunbeth Court, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, is due to be sentenced at the crown court next month, and was bailed in the meantime.

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards team said: "Doorstep crime involves cold callers and rogue traders trying to sell goods or services.

"Experience has shown that work undertaken by doorstep sellers is often of a poor quality and is overpriced. The traders involved prove difficult to trace and as a consequence consumers have difficulties obtaining recompense in respect of any defective work.

"Due to the nature of these crimes Cumbria Trading Standards treat this work as a priority and work with partner agencies such as Cumbria Police to help raise awareness and tackle potential offenders."

*If anyone thinks they have been a victim of a rogue trader can contact Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.