Watch moment conman who stole almost £15k from pensioner arrested as he walks out of HMP Five Wells

Amos Smith had just finished serving a sentence for similar offences when he was nicked again. Footage shows officers from Kent Police arresting the 47-year-old as he tries to leave the Wellingborough prison.

Smith gave a false name as he completed ground clearance in the victim's garden throughout May and June 2025 in Twydall, Kent. Initially he charged the homeowner, who is in his 70s, £11,000 for the work, which included removing trees and rubbish.

But, a month after the groundwork was completed, Smith reattended the victim’s address, telling him he owed more money. He told the pensioner to walk with him to a local shop to withdraw cash, which he complied with on 5, 6, 7, 9, and 13 August while Smith watched. In total, around £15,000 was handed over by his victim.

Smith, of Gillingham, Kent was arrested on April 14 2026 as he left prison.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, which he admitted to at Maidstone Magistrates' Court last month. At the same hearing, he was jailed for two years and eight months.

Detective Constable James Finch said: "Smith took advantage of a vulnerable member of our community, and arrogantly thought he could get away with it.

"The persistence with which he approached his victim shows he had a lack of remorse or reflection regarding his actions, which have left the man more anxious and hugely out of pocket.

"We are satisfied he is behind bars and we hope that by getting his name and image out in public, others will avoid falling victim to this conman."