Ref. 9687-2A FORMER Salvation Army volunteer who preached Christian values has been exposed as a cheating cowboy builder.

And a judge yesterday warned 64-year-old Brian Timbrell, of Oakford Walk, to expect jail after he admitted two counts of obtaining property by deception.

Oxford Crown Court heard how Timbrell, who worked at Davis House in Gorse Hill, conned two households out of a total of £6,500 between September 2000 and March 2001.

Tony and Angela Glead from Elm Close in Wootton Bassett had handed over a £2,000 deposit on a £4,000 extension. But the work was never done.

The couple, both aged 45, had called in Timbrell to enlarge their two children's bedrooms.

The work was eventually carried out but by a reputable builder.

Mrs Glead, a part-time shop assistant, said the latest development ends a four-year wait to nail Timbrell.

She said: "He is a very good liar and we never thought that someone in the Salvation Army would be out to con us.

"It's the last thing that you would expect."

"We both hope that the judge decides to send him to prison why should he get away with it?

"This has been going on now for almost four years.

"I doubt that we will see any of our money again and we have tried to put it behind us, but we would like to see justice done."

Judge Anthony King said it was likely that Timbrell would be sent to jail

because he had previous convictions for almost identical offences dating back to 1973.

He said: "I take a very serious view on this.

"I shall be looking for a custodial sentence in relation to this matter."

Timbrell was released on bail until he is sentenced on July 16.

Captain Andy Burrows, of the Salvation Army, said: "Brian has been a member of our congregation but left some months ago for personal reasons.

"The people of our church were completely unaware of the nature of his business dealings and naturally we are all saddened to learn of these developments."

Kevin Shoesmith