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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Joe Thomas

'Despicable' cowboy builder banned from knocking on every door in the UK

A cowboy builder who preyed on the elderly has been banned from carrying out door-to-door sales anywhere in the UK.

Alan Fitzgerald has fleeced pensioners out of thousands of pounds with his cold-calling schemes.

The 53-year-old has been described by one judge as “truly despicable” for his antics.

READ MORE: Predator tricked teen into thinking she was in love before sex attack

Fitzgerald was jailed for six years in 2014 for conning 39 elderly victims out of £300,000 by posing as a builder.

One victim handed over £39,000 while a 94-year-old woman gave Fitzgerald £6,000 after being told she had asbestos in her home and would be prosecuted if she did not pay him.

He told a woman that her conservatory was not fitted properly and needed a box which would cost £475.

Another victim was informed that if he paid £250 to have a front porch door replaced it would be used as a show home and the victim would receive £150.

Just weeks after his release from prison, Fitzgerald returned to his old ways.

Alan Fitzgerald, 53, has a history of preying on vulnerable pensioners (SWNS)

Fitzgerald, of Raunds, Northamptonshire, admitted ten further charges relating to exploiting the elderly out of £14,000 and was jailed for 40 months in April 2020.

The fraudster has now been slapped with a criminal behaviour order (CBO) banning him from making contact with anyone in an attempt to sell them something - including on Merseyside.

Fitzgerald was handed the CBO at Northampton Magistrates’ Court following an application made by Northamptonshire Police.

It prevents him from attending any person’s home for any purpose related to the sale of any goods or service, on his or any other businesses behalf.

The CBO also bans him from making unsolicited calls or using any online means related to the sale of any goods or service.

If Fitzgerald breaks the terms of this order it will be considered a criminal offence and he could end up back behind bars.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Chris Stevens said: “The criminal behaviour repeatedly demonstrated by Alan Fitzgerald means that this CBO was issued against him meaning that he cannot attempt to sell goods or services to anyone.

“By issuing details of the order along with his photograph, we’re able to make members of the public aware of the restrictions imposed, and ask anyone who sees Fitzgerald breaking the terms of this CBO to report it immediately to us by calling 101 so we can take further action.”

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