Jail over window cleaning cash scam

John Andrew Foggo visited people on the round of a genuine window cleaner in Mirfield, near Dewsbury, saying he had come for the money they owed and several paid either because they did not know what the real man looked like or were confused.

It was only when the real window cleaner called that he discovered the scam and reported it the police, after realising he knew who was responsible.

Even then it was only when Foggo continued to offend that he was caught, only to be bailed at magistrates' court enabling to offend again, this time sneaking into a man's home in Bradford and stealing a camera.

Jailing Foggo at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC expressed surprise that a court would bail a third-strike burglar addicted to drugs with a curfew when his offences were committed in the day time.

"It seems to me almost inevitable somebody will commit further offences as you did."

Foggo, 29 of Oliver Gardens, Mirfield, admitted three charges of fraud and one of burglary. He asked for 18 other offences to be considered.

Carmel Pearson, prosecuting, said Foggo's victims included an 89-year-old woman who lived alone and answered the door with her chain on. When he said he was owed for cleaning her windows on three occasions she told him she did not have a cleaner but he claimed her neighbours had asked him to do it.

He obtained a total of 40 from her.

Robin Frieze, for Foggo, said his addiction to heroin was behind his offending. He was now motivated to break the cycle and had admitted similar offences stemming back years to wipe the slate clean.