Pair intimidated woman into tree-pruning work

Brian Ward, 28, and Lee Howe, 30, were prosecuted by North Yorkshire Trading Standards under legislation designed to protect householders from aggressive trading practices.

Ward, of Cross Street West, Colne, and his co-accused both admitted engaging in an aggressive commercial practice contrary to Regulation 11 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 when they appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

In May last year the complainant, who lives in the Draughton area of North Yorkshire, was asked by Howe if he could trim a tree at her property.

Although the request was unsolicited the householder agreed, but when Ward, who is over 6ft tall, appeared on the scene she described him as being forceful and bossy towards her.

Rebecca Brown, prosecuting, said the woman described how Ward immediately ordered a coffee which she felt obliged to make.

Miss Brown said the householder felt uneasy and wanted to retract her agreement, but she felt unable to do so.

After one tree had been trimmed the duo asked to trim other trees at the property.

"She said initially she didn't want them to do that," said Miss Brown.

"Eventually she agreed because she felt threatened by Mr Ward's size and his persistence."

The men charged 320 for the work and although the householder wanted to pay by cheque Ward insisted on being paid in cash.

Recorder Carl Gumsley confirmed that the men could get suspended prison sentences of between six to 12 months.

He described the offence as "unpleasant."

Ward and Howe, from Winsford, Cheshire, will be sentenced in July.