A RISCA window cleaner who went to an elderly couple’s home with a rottweiler asking for money has been fined £250.

Darren Evans, 25, of Holly Road, admitted harassment and failure to surrender to custody, when he appeared before Caerphilly magistrates.

Rob Simkins, prosecuting, said the defendant was in Ty Sign at around 6pm on July 27 at the home of a vulnerable elderly couple with dementia.

Evans, who had with him a large rottweiler, told them he had cleaned their windows and requested money.

The court heard how a passer- by saw the defendant trying to intimidate the couple, swearing and saying he had wanted payment. A passing motorist also left her car and told the defendant to leave.

Evans was arrested on July 30 and taken to Ystrad Mynach Police Station, where he did not accept what the witnesses said, stating he had not been menacing.

David Lewis, mitigating, said the defendant works had cleaned this couple’s windows before, adding that he sometimes cleans people’s windows without asking and puts a note through their door.

On this occasion, he had come to collect the money, Mr Lewis said, describing the situation as relatively civil until a third party became involved, after which the argument became heated.

“When walking away he did swear, but not at the elderly couple,” Mr Lewis added.

Magistrates fined Evans £100 for harassment and £50 for failure to surrender to custody.

He must pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.