A COUNCILLOR and elderly Swindon residents were just some of the victims falling foul of a rogue window cleaner who could now face a lengthy prison sentence.

David Green, of no fixed abode, admitted fraud by taking money for window cleaning jobs and not fulfilling his duties on four Swindon properties between November 2008 and March 2009.

The 43-year-old has also pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud, three burglaries and one count of theft in Somerset and Bristol.

In total 11 charges have been admitted by Green out of 271 offences that will be taken into consideration by Bristol Crown Court.

One of Green’s victims was Abbey Meads councillor Justin Tomlinson, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for North Swindon at the next election.

“I’m delighted this man is facing the punishment he deserves,” said Mr Tomlinson, who was targeted by Green in February last year.

“Myself and the Swindon Advertiser have highlighted this menace and helped police discover additional evidence to make sure this didn’t happen again.”

Mr Tomlinson added Green used to clean his windows lawfully a number of years ago in West Swindon. Green then came round again offering him window cleaning and cleaning or fixing gutters.

The guttering job was finished and £99 changed hands, but the windows weren’t cleaned, claimed Mr Tomlinson.

Reputable Liden window cleaner Simon Smith of SWC Cleaning said the public must check what they are agreeing to and not to make any payment until the job has been carried out satisfactorily.

He said: “I take pride in what I do and make sure the job is done properly.”

Mr Smith also said English window cleaners should be licensed like they are in Scotland as it would reduce fraud.

While Detective Constable Iain Crouch of Swindon Police said: “The majority of window cleaners have legitimate companies.

“When and where the work takes place and its standard should all be agreed before the work is carried out and payment is made.

“People should also be mindful or their property and possessions while workers, who may not be known by the person, come to their house.”

DC Crouch said Green was an isolated case and wasn’t aware any similar offences over the last five years in Swindon.

The Federation of Window Cleaners, who have 1,200 UK members, said they produce a plastic identity card and certificate for those registered with them.

They also said reputable window cleaners would have registered contact details, which can be easily checked by the public.

Judge Michael Longman said Green would be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, February 19.

Green has been remanded in custody.