Man sentenced after conning elderly Windsor woman out of cash for work never done
He persuaded a woman in her eighties to hand over money for a job that was never carried out
Last updated 18th Sep 2026
A man who conned an elderly Windsor woman out of cash by claiming she'd asked him to carry out work at her home has been sentenced.
John Light, aged 43, of Star Hill, Hook, in Hampshire, was found guilty of one count of fraud by false representation.
The verdict came after a three-day trial at Reading Crown Court, which concluded on Wednesday 16th September.
At the same court on Thursday 17th September, Light was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,000 in compensation and pay £3,000 to the Crown Court.
Thames Valley Police said the force received a report at around 12.20pm on 8th January 2024 that a man had entered the home of a woman in her eighties in Windsor and obtained money from her.
An investigation was launched, and CCTV enquiries identified Light entering the victim's home.
Light claimed the victim had asked him to return to carry out work on a pathway at her home.
However, enquiries established that the victim did not know Light and had not made any such request.
He persuaded her to hand over £130 in cash, before leaving shortly afterwards.
No agreement for any work had been made, and none was carried out.
Light was arrested on 19th March 2024 and later charged on 26th September 2024.
Police Staff Investigator Stephanie Crowther, of the Priority Crime Team Unit, said: "Light exploited the trust and vulnerability of an elderly woman for financial gain.
"He entered her home under false pretences, persuaded her to hand over money for work that was never carried out, and left having taken advantage of someone who was unable to protect herself.
"Today's conviction sends a clear message that those who target vulnerable members of our community will be identified, investigated, and brought before the courts."