A man has been put behind bars for preying on a vulnerable woman to fuel his gambling habit.

Nigel Smith, of Mills Grove in Hendon, was sentenced to two years in prison and given a five-year ASBO for two accounts of fraud by false representation.

The 45-year-old, who had only recently come out of jail for similar offences in Barnet, repeatedly extorted money from a vulnerable woman in Golders Green between January and April.

He forced her to pay him for work he had not carried out and she had not asked him to do, such as cleaning guttering and windows.

Police officers discovered he had harassed the victim, who has not been named, into paying the money. Witnesses had seen him marching her to the cash point.

Smith was arrested on April 12 and appeared at Wood Green Crown Court.

Speaking during the trial the judge said Smith had used “persistent and harassing behaviour” and had a degree of planning to target his victims, adding he had shown no remorse.

Smith had been given a five-year ASBO order that takes affect from his release date.

He is forbidden from entering any betting shops or racing course, gambling online, visiting any one not known to him without consent, or requesting money from any person.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Smith said: “Nigel Smith preyed on vulnerable residents to fuel his gambling habits by identifying and intimidating them into paying for work neither asked for nor rendered.

“The sentence received will send a clear message to those that pick on the vulnerable and the elderly.”