A 45-YEAR-OLD Black Country workman has denied conning and duping customers, stealing their money and failing to complete jobs for which he had been paid.

It is alleged Richard Knight defrauded three complainants in the Kingswinford and Sedgley areas and his fraudulent trading continued for over a year.

Knight traded among other names as RLK Fencing, Black Country Drives, Drives & Gardens and Muddy Boots and Gardens.

He pleaded not guilty to eight charges of fraud and another of participating in a fraudulent business when he appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Knight, of Pinfold Street, Darlaston, further denied two charges of theft and another of engaging in an aggressive commercial practice.

He was remanded on bail until May 4 2015 by Recorder Derek Chinnery who was told his trial is scheduled to last for two weeks.

It is alleged Knight stole money from a woman living in Langland Drive, Sedgley, and also stole £700 from three elderly brothers living in Kingswinford.