A MAN has appeared in court accused of intentionally causing damage to a woman’s roof in order to convince her it needed expensive repairs.

John-Lee Eastwood, of Elm Road, Basildon, is charged with criminal damage in relation to a chimney stack in Billericay.

The damage to the chimney is said to be valued at £150.

Eastwood is also charged with fraud by false representation by removing tiles from the roof and claiming the work needed completing, with the intention of making a £1,700 gain.

A third count of fraud by false representation, by suggesting work needed to be done to the roof when none was required, is said to have netted him £450.

All the alleged offences happened on Monday, September 12 at one property in the town.

Eastwood, 22, denied the charges at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

He was released on bail and will return to stand trial at the court on Thursday, March 30.