Professional Or Novice?

Bill Thomas, the owner of Northern Illinois Windows, stands outside the Hidden Pearl Café in McHenry. Hidden Pearl is one of the customers that rely on NIW to keep their windows clean. 

Northern Illinois Windows – celebrates 25 years of cleaning area windows ‘one pane at a time’: They call it the Silver Anniversary. That's what McHenry-based Northern Illinois Windows is celebrating this summer - 25 years of cleaning Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin windows for 25 years. How many window panes have they cleaned 'one-at-a-time' over the course of those years? That's a number that's almost too astronomical to consider. Suffice it to say that it's a lot.

"I started the company with a bucket, a squeegee and a truck," said owner Bill Thomas. "I would knock on the doors of businesses and ask them if they wanted their windows cleaned."

Today, Thomas has crews of window washers who do the window washing as he runs the business. He coordinates the routes, schedules window washing, which also includes washing the windows in private residences, and he does continue to do sales. In those early years, he also did the book keeping, marketing and all the other chores that are necessary to a successful business.

"I still knock on doors," he said. "And, I go out and do estimates. I like meeting with prospective clients so that they know who stands behind the quality and service we provide."

Shortly after starting the business, Thomas was joined by his son. Today, Thomas operates a window washing business in downtown Colorado. Father and son communicate often sharing ideas and suggestions. But, here in McHenry, Thomas has learned that he can't, or shouldn't do it all. He works with others to keep his business on track. This frees up his time to further develop the business.

Actually, window cleaning is only part of what Northern Illinois Windows offers, albeit a big part. They also provide home and office window tinting, gutter cleaning and power washing. They also install and take down Christmas lights during the holidays.

"We have several types of window film we install," said Thomas. "But, our 3M window film is the industry standard."

The window film comes with different levels of tinting. One thing that almost uniform about the film is that, whatever level of tint, most block 99.9 percent of ultraviolet rays. Over time, the UV rays can bleach furniture, flooring and stock that businesses keep in the windows. And after installing the window film, Northern Illinois Windows is available to wash the windows when they get dirty again.

Windows last November. The teenager plans to attend Boise State University to study human biology before going to medical school to become a cardiologist.

Area Teen Adds Shine With 7B Windows (Sandpoint): There are plenty of Bonner County teens who are happy to wile away their downtime from high school hanging out at City Beach or staring into the screens of mobile devices. Nathan Roe is not among them. The 17-year-old opened 7B Windows last November. It was initially slow going because November is hardly the peak of window-cleaning season.

But Roe’s persistence began paying off. “I went door to door downtown and was able to drum up some business for it,” said Roe, who will be a Sandpoint High School senior when the new school year starts this fall.

Roe is now cleaning windows for Pita Pit and Trinity and City Beach. “I was really happy to get the Trinity job,” said Roe. Roe also picked up some residential clients, although his services don’t include cleaning windows on buildings more than a story high.

Roe said he picked up some advice from a high school custodian, who gave him some of the basic equipment needed to restore the lustre in people’s windows. “I didn’t really see any downside to doing it,” Roe said of 7B’s launch.

Roe said the business allows him to market himself while taking pride in doing a thorough job. “There’s no hiding the work you do,” he said.

Roe plans to attend Boise State to study human biology before going to medical school to become a cardiologist. Roe’s business venture is not impinging on his academic career. He is among the top 10 percent of his class. “The kid maintains a 4.2 GPA,” said Roe’s father, Mark.

Window Washer Threatens To Blow Man Away

 Cops say 79-year-old window washer threatened to blow man away with concealed gun because he parked too close to his car.

Window Washer Threatens To Blow Man Away: A 79-year-old window washer was arrested for threatening another man with a gun for parking too close to his car, reports said. The alleged fracas took place at a commercial office in the 4200 block of West 95th Street, where Oak Lawn police responded to a report of a man with a gun around 9:10 a.m. April 18.

The caller, a 43-year-old man, told officers that the elderly man, later identified as Victor Kasput, 79, of Crestwood, became verbally abusive after the younger man parked behind the Kasput’s car, reports said. While Kasput was washing the windows inside the officer, the younger man told Kasput he would move his vehicle. He changed his mind, however, after Kasput allegedly started flinging dirty water at him with the squeegee.

According to the report, Kasput lifted up his shirt, showing a gun on his hip, and told the younger man, “I’ve got something to blow you away with.” A woman in the office told officers she heard Kasput get into an argument with the younger man, then lift his shirt to show him the gun. Other witnesses also corroborated the younger man’s story, police said.

Kasput allegedly told officers that while working at the office washing windows, he saw the younger man park behind his vehicle on 95th Street. He and the younger man exchanged words because he though he parked too closely behind his vehicle.

Police said Kasput admitted to pulling up his shirt and showing him the gun because he felt “threatened” when the younger man called him an “old man.” He denied flinging water. Asked if the younger man made threats or approached him in a threatening manner, Kasput said he had not, reports said.

Police recovered Kasput’s .38-caliber Smith and Wesson, along with six rounds. A photo copy of Kasput’s conceal carry permit and a “clear and present danger” form was faxed to the Illinois State Police. Kasput was charged with battery and aggravated assault. He has a court hearing June 15 in Bridgeview.

Ex High Rise Guy Serves Vietnam Veterans

Chuck Schryer, an ex-high-rise window washer stands in front of the van he drives.

Volunteer drives 250K miles for disabled veterans (Marion, IL) - A retired U.S. Army veteran has spent the past 10 years driving disabled veterans to and from the Marion, Illinois Veterans Affair's hospital. Chuck Schryer served in the Army's 173rd Airborne and three years overseas during the Vietnam War. The retired high-rise window washer spends his free time serving disabled veterans like himself.

Schryer said he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and receives care from the Marion VA. He said he wanted to make sure other veterans like himself can receive care. “It’s been hectic at times,” Schryer said.

Schryer helped found Chapter 80 of the non-profit group Disabled American Veterans Charity, that serves veterans in the 29 counties in southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and western Kentucky. Chapter 80 started by fundraising for one van and has grown to own and operate 11 vans. “For the veterans. I figure if we don’t take care of one another, no one else will take care of us,” Schryer said.

The DAV brings 125 veterans to and from the Marion VA each month. Schryer has driven more than 250,000 miles over the past 10 years. “You hear a lot of stories from the vets when you’re in there… It’s an honor to do,” Schryer said.

The DAV serving the Marion VA is in need of volunteers. Anyone with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance can volunteer. If you’re interested you can call the Marion VA Hospital at 618-997-5311 and ask for volunteer services.

Vietnam

Time to forgive — Fifty years after the start of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and the rise of the antiwar movement that in part made the return home for soldiers less than welcoming, it is time to move on, said Chuck Schryer. “We both need to forget and forgive, the veterans and the people,” Schryer said. “There were a lot of harsh feelings when the Vietnam vet came home. He didn’t help the situation. We were called the bad boys, and we were the bad boys.

“It’s time to forgive.” Schryer, of Flora, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He made his remarks at a Marion VA Medical Center event to honor veterans of the tumultuous era. The Defense Department’s Vietnam War Commemoration was set by a presidential proclamation on May 28, 2012, establishing a 13-year program to remember the veterans. “While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor,” President Barack Obama wrote at the time.

According to VA information, there are more than 7 million living Vietnam veterans and 9 million families of those who served. Schryer also gave his thanks to the Marion VA, but he has been doing that for 10 years. In May, he will be recognized by the Illinois chapter of the Daugthers of the American Revolution for his volunteer service to the Medical Center, donating 150,000 hours of his time, the most at the VA.

Among his service, Schryer drives veterans across the region to and from the VA for the Disabled American Veterans charity, logging 250,000 miles. He put in a plug for the DAV, saying more drivers are needed. “The VA in Marion is probably one of the best there is,” he said.

McMahon Window Washing Versus Department Of Employment

Plaintiff L.A. McMahon Window Washing (McMahon) sought administrative review in the circuit court of Cook County of a decision by defendants Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and its director, Jay Rowell (the Director) (together, the Department), which affirmed the decision of IDES that window washers who performed services for McMahon were employees for purposes of the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act (the Act) (820 ILCS 405/212 (West 2010)). Pursuant to an audit and a fact-finding hearing, the Department determined that McMahon failed to establish that the exemptions from "employment" in section 212 of the Act apply to the workers in question. The circuit court upheld the Director's decision. McMahon appeals, contending the Director and the circuit court erred in their determination that the McMahon workers were "employees" and not "independent contractors" under section 212 of the Act. Affirmed. 

APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS: L.A. McMAHON BUILDING MAINTENANCE, INC.,  L.A. McMahon Window Washing, (Plaintiff-Appellant),

v.

THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY, and JAY ROWELL, Director, the Department of Employment Security, Defendants-Appellees. PRESIDING JUSTICE FITZGERALD SMITH delivered the judgment of the Court, with opinion. Justices Howse and Cobbs concurred in the judgment and opinion.

Plaintiff L.A. McMahon Window Washing (McMahon) sought administrative review in the circuit court of Cook County of a decision by defendants Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and its director, Jay Rowell (the Director) (together, the Department), which affirmed the decision of IDES that window washers who performed services for McMahon were employees for purposes of the Illinois Unemployment Insurance Act (the Act) (820 ILCS 405/212 (West 2010)). Pursuant to an audit and a fact-finding hearing, the Department determined that McMahon failed to establish that the exemptions from "employment" in section 212 of the Act apply to the workers in question. The circuit court upheld the Director's decision. McMahon appeals, contending the Director and the circuit court erred in their determination that the McMahon workers were "employees" and not "independent contractors" under section 212 of the Act. 

McMahon provides window washing services for clients. In 2009, the Department initiated an audit for the years 2006, 2007, and 2008 (the audit period) to determine whether McMahon was required to make unemployment contributions for its window washers. Following the audit, in January 2010, the Department issued a determination that McMahon's window washers were employees and ordered an assessment against McMahon for $64,051 in unpaid employer contributions for the audit period, as well as $35,773 in unpaid interest.

McMahon then filed a protest to the determination and assessment in February 2010, in which it requested an administrative hearing. In its protest, McMahon described itself as "in the business of window washing." It stated:

McMahon characterizes this service in its appellate brief as "operat[ing] a call center where predominately residential customers call in to request window washing and gutter cleaning services" and independent contractors perform the window washing services. It also states that "McMahon is in the business of connecting customers of window washing with certain workers which it treats as independent contractors to provide window washing." In its protest following the Department's determination that the window washers constituted employees of L.A. McMahon Widow Washing under the Act, however, McMahon characterized its operation as: "McMahon is in the business of window washing. McMahon's customers are residential homeowners. McMahon secures customers through general advertising, word-of-mouth marketing, and repeat business. Customers call McMahon to schedule an appointment for their windows to be washed. In the context of its business, McMahon utilizes the services of certain independent contractors to wash its customer's windows."

"In the context of its business, McMahon utilizes the services of certain independent contractors to wash its customer's windows. In general, McMahon has contractual agreements in place with Workers, specifically identifying the relationship between McMahon and individual Workers as that of 'Employer' and 'Independent Contractor' (the 'Agreements'). The Agreements are non-exclusive, and remain in effect until terminated either by completion of a project, or upon cancellation of a project by any party other than McMahon, or by McMahon if either (i) reasonable notice *** is delivered to the Contractor; or (ii) reasonable evidence exists that the services provided by the Contractor are either unsatisfactory, incompetent, unprofessional, or untimely. McMahon does not prevent the Workers from working with any person or entity in addition to, or instead of, McMahon.

The actual work-relationship of McMahon and the Workers functions as follows: First, Workers who are interested in obtaining work from McMahon either call McMahon or go to McMahon's office to see if there are any appointments set. McMahon does not call any Workers, nor contact Workers in any other manner, to arrange for work to be completed. The Workers solicit McMahon for window washing appointments of their own volition. McMahon will then tell an inquiring Worker of any relevant appointment, and offer the Worker the opportunity to take the appointment. Workers are free to decline any appointment for any reason, whether it be because the Worker does not care for the location of the home, size of the home, the time of the appointment, or any other reason. In fact, Workers often do decline appointments. 

When this happens, McMahon offers the appointment to the next inquiring worker. The frequency in which the Workers contact McMahon for work varies by worker; some contact McMahon daily, some contact McMahon weekly, some contact McMahon yearly, and some are more sporadic. McMahon has no requirement for the Workers to contact McMahon at any certain volume or on any certain time table. After agreeing to work at a specific appointment, a Worker travels to the customer's home within the timeframe quoted to the customer. Workers utilize their own vehicles for transportation, and use their own supplies to complete the work. Workers are not reimbursed for any travel or supply costs. McMahon provides no training to the Workers, and does not direct a specific method of cleaning. 

Workers are not required to wear a uniform. Workers have their own business cards and advertise their own services in the yellow pages and elsewhere. Workers also hire their own helpers and/or employees, for whom McMahon provides no reimbursement nor supervision or training. When the work is completed, the Worker invoices the customer. If the customer pays the Worker on-site, the Worker submits the payment to McMahon either in person or through the mail. Otherwise, the customer mails payment to McMahon directly. McMahon then generally splits the payment equally (fifty/fifty) with the Worker.

McMahon also employs workers, separate and apart from the Workers at issue, which it classifies as employees [as] office personal. McMahon makes appropriate withholdings with respect to these employees." In September 2010, a representative of the Director conducted an administrative hearing on the protest and objections to the determination and assessment. At the outset of the hearing, the representative told the parties he was looking for answers to three inquiries: (1) the nature of the business; (2) the nature for the services performed by the individuals at issue; and (3) the nature of the relationship between McMahon and the individuals at issue.

McMahon presented evidence and testimony from general manager Mark Crane, as well as from two window washers, Henry Garduno and Leon Juarez. Counsel for McMahon opened his argument saying, "McMahon Window Washing is an Illinois corporation in the business of providing window washing services primarily to residential customers." McMahon general manager and part owner Mark Crane explained that McMahon has a call center in Schaumburg where mostly residential customers call in to request window washing and yard cleaning services. He explained McMahon takes incoming calls from prospective clients and gives out work to "independent contractors" when those contractors call in and are available for work. 

There are five employees who work in the Schaumburg office and who are issued W-2 forms, receive employee benefits, vacation, and sick pay. These employees do not perform any window washing. McMahon is a seasonal business, and each year it performs work for 10,000 to 11,000 customers. Crane described the McMahon window washers as independent contractors. The window washers did not receive employee benefits, and their incomes were reported on 1099 forms, used for independent contractors, to the Internal Revenue Service. However, McMahon keeps a workers' compensation and general liability insurance policy that covers the window washers. The cost to McMahon for that policy was based on the amount of work performed by all window washers. Crane explained that the window washers are required to carry their own policies in addition to the policy carried for them by McMahon.

Crane described McMahon's methodology regarding clients: customers who request window washing services from McMahon call the Schaumburg office and are given a two hour time slot that is convenient for the customer during which the window washer and possibly his assistants will arrive and begin work. No specific start or end time for the work is given the customer. When the customer calls, Crane gives a price estimate over the phone based on the customer's description of the work to be done. Upon arrival at the customer's home, the window washer verifies the conditions on site and gives the customer an updated, actual price estimate, which the customer is free to accept or refuse.

The window washer arrives on-site carrying a McMahon business card, on the back of which is a price list. Through this price list, in addition to other price list postings, the window washer knows what price should be charged per window. The price list is set by McMahon. If a window washer is on-site and notices more work that could be done, it is not McMahon's policy that the window washer should drum up more business. However, if, for example, a window washer notices the customer's gutters are full of debris, he might tell the customer the gutters need to be cleaned at some point in the future. If the customer decides he wants the gutters cleaned by the window washer, the customer—not the window washer then calls McMahon, is given the price of the gutter cleaning, and McMahon then adds it to the customer's bill. 

Crane explained: "MR. CRANE: Well, if [the window washer is] up on the roof and he looks down and sees there some debris in the gutters, he might say to the customer there's some debris in your gutters, somewhere down the road you're going to need to get your gutters cleaned. But he's not here to tell the customer what to do or offer services, he's just there to complete the work that's been given through the office. If the customer does want to add something like gutter cleaning to the bill, he must be approved through the office and put on the invoice."

During the audit period, McMahon had 15 to 18 window washing crews, each of which would call in to receive work. Crane testified that window washers do not receive special training from McMahon.

They drive their own vehicles and supply their own equipment. They are not required to wear specific uniforms. The company provides company t-shirts, but does not require the window washers to wear them when working.

Customers pay for window washing services via credit card over the telephone or by giving cash or check to the window washer on-site. If by check, the check is made payable to McMahon Window Washing. If by cash, the window washer delivers the cash by hand or mails it to the Schaumburg office. When the window washing work is completed, the window washer fills out an invoice provided by McMahon Window Washing and gives copies to both the customer and the Schaumburg office. Window washers are not required to go to the Schaumburg office at any time, but some do in order to pick up business cards and blank invoices, as well as to drop off cash and check payments.

In order to get paid, the window washer turns in both the invoice and any cash or check payments to the Schaumburg office. McMahon pays the window washers "bi-weekly though a payroll system." Window washers are paid 50% of the total amount billed for the work, based on invoices submitted to the office. Crane explained that McMahon works on a "good faith" system that the homeowners are going to pay. Therefore, if the window washer has submitted the invoices to McMahon, but the customer has not yet paid, McMahon nonetheless pays the window washer.

Additionally, in the "rare" case that a customer refuses to pay the invoice through no fault of the window washer, McMahon nonetheless pays the window washer. If, however, the customer refuses to pay the invoice because he is unhappy with the work done by the window washer, the window washer has the opportunity to return to the site and redo the work on his own time, to the customer's satisfaction, and then get paid. If, however, the customer remains unsatisfied and continues to refuse to pay the invoice, McMahon does not pay the window washer. If a window washer damages something at the customer's property, it is the window washer's responsibility to fix it.

McMahon hires its window washers on a seasonal basis and has them sign an "independent contractor agreement" at the start of each spring window washing season. These agreements remained unchanged during the audit period. McMahon can terminate any window washer with 30 days' written notice. The independent contractor agreements, samples of which are in the appellate record, stipulate that the window washers must obtain their own workers' compensation, general liability, and general automotive insurance.

Crane testified that, if window washers want to procure other window washing jobs while not on McMahon jobs, they are free to do so. Window washers are only barred from soliciting customers met while working for McMahon. Each window washer provides his own transportation and is not reimbursed travel costs. McMahon does not provide its window washers with company vehicles or with special decals.

Crane testified that each window washer can hire any assistant or assistants he needs, without control or input from McMahon. McMahon only pays the window washer who signed the contract, and the window washer is responsible for paying any assistants directly.

Garduno and Juarez also testified at the hearing. Both Garduno and Juarez signed the independent contractor agreement form with McMahon, which form required them to obtain their own workers' compensation, general liability, and general automotive insurance. Nonetheless, neither Juarez nor Garduno carried his own insurance during the audit period. Beginning in 2009, however, a number of window washers obtained their own insurance, designating McMahon as the insurance certificate holder.

Garduno testified he has worked as a window washing subcontractor for McMahon for 10 years. When he first started working for McMahon, he was not provided any job training seminars on how to wash windows or clean gutters, but had learned the skills in prior employment. He described how the work is seasonal, and he calls McMahon to see if there is work available. He testified that McMahon does not require a minimum number of hours from him. Garduno also has other window washing customers beyond those from McMahon, as he has a separate window washing business called Father & Son Window Washing, which he started in 2009. Garduno also worked in a flea market booth doing air brush work and selling tattoo supplies.

Prior to 2009, Garduno referred to his business as Henry's Window Washing. He did not request an employer identification number until 2009, at which time he requested the number "to make [his] company legit," because he had heard from other workers that he should do so. Garduno keeps a list of his own window washing customers, advertises for his own business in the newspaper, and has his own business cards. His company was started in 2009, and Garduno did not testify to whether he actually had business cards or advertised during the audit period. Also in 2009, Garduno began to carry liability insurance for his own company's window washing work.

Garduno testified that, when he does jobs for McMahon, he drives his own vehicle with no special "McMahon" markings on it, is not reimbursed for travel expenses, does not wear a uniform, and brings his own equipment. He explained he knows the McMahon pricing for window washing jobs because it is marked on the McMahon business cards, which he gets from the office. During the busy season, he goes to the McMahon office every week or two, but there is no requirement that he do so.

Juarez testified that he, too, works as a window washer for McMahon. He also has his own window washing business called Leon Juarez Window Washing, for which he has business cards. He purchased his own liability insurance in 2009. He testified he uses his own equipment and does not get reimbursed for travel expenses when on jobs for McMahon. 

A recommended decision was issued in March 2011, recommending that the determination be affirmed. In September 2011, the Department issued a final decision of the Director, adopting the recommended decision. McMahon filed a complaint for administrative review in the circuit court. After briefing and oral argument, the court entered an order in September 2013 affirming the Director's decision and entering a final judgment.

McMahon appeals.

CONCLUSION: For all of the foregoing reasons, we find no clear error in the Director's conclusion that the window washers were employees rather than independent contractors. Accordingly, we affirm the circuit court's judgment upholding the Director's decision. 

Window Cleaning News

Northern Illinois Windows honored as clear choice for window cleaning: Many in McHenry County and Northern Illinois are familiar with the outstanding quality of window cleaning provided by Northern Illinois Windows. On July 7, Home State Bank and Star 105.5 made that acknowledgement official by naming the McHenry based company Business of the Week. The award officially commends Northern Illinois Windows for "Providing Residential and Commercial Customers Crystal Clear Views for 25 Years!" Bill Thomas, the owner of the company, said quality has always been their trademark. That includes a thorough knowledge of proper window-cleaning techniques and unparalleled reliability. "Our people are bonded and insured," he said. "They arrive at your home or business wearing NIW approved uniforms and driving a truck with the Northern Illinois Windows logo. Above all, they conduct themselves in a professional manner."

Many homeowners contract with NIW to clean their windows, inside and out, in the spring and fall. However, the company is available for window cleaning throughout the year. Commercial window cleaning is generally done on a more regular basis - once a week, or every two or four weeks. While window cleaning helps to set a professional image for businesses, window tinting can help to reduce glare, protect products and furnishings from the sun's rays and reduce energy bills by limiting the amount of solar-generated heat that comes in windows. "We value the recognition," Thomas said. "But, the real reward is when a customer calls us back or refers us to a friend. When that happens, we know our hard work is appreciated."

Dare-devil window cleaners smile for the camera (eventually) 250ft off the ground: Window cleaners working on Manchester’s tallest building didn’t seem too impressed when a hotel patron started taking these pictures. The daredevil cleaners were clearly more concerned about manoeuvring their cradle 250ft above the ground outside Cloud 23 bar at the city’s iconic Beetham Tower. But the workers soon came round to the idea of being centre of attention and began to smile for the camera, as later pictures show. Cloud 23 supervisor Natalie Yemm said: “It’s quite a shock being so high up to see men outside your window. The same men do it all year round. When it’s perfect weather they take every opportunity to get up there.”

Clean Town is a directory dedicated to connecting residents of a particular area with quality cleaning services operating in that area. They not only list cleaning services, instead as active members of the industry they work closely with business owners to help them improve their services. They run a business blog that demonstrates their dedication to add value to business owners. Clean Town is a local area directory that helps connects homeowners with professional cleaning service providers.

If someone is looking for window cleaners or any other types of domestic or commercial cleaning services, one may visit the directory website.

Online cleaner hiring platform Hassle.com: Customers simply type in their area code and browse through cleaner profiles and customer reviews before shortlisting the cleaners that best suit their needs. The process, from landing on the site to booking a cleaner, takes less than 60 seconds and costs €12 per hour in Dublin. It gives cleaners in Dublin a chance to bid for work in their local area via the online platform. This allows them have control over the hours they work and enables them to have access to a steady flow of jobs eliminating the need for cleaners to use shop window advertising, listings or flyers.

Finding work via the marketplace takes out the agency ‘middle man’, enabling the cleaners to earn more and focus on their clients, and also removes the chance of late payments as the cleaners are paid on a daily basis. Coleman, who gave up a career at PwC and taught herself to code to build the first version of platform, believes Hassle.com is a great opportunity for cleaners in Dublin to gain more customers. “We’ve seen cleaners progress from one or two cleaning jobs a day to being fully booked and in constant demand. We're excited about delivering these job opportunities to cleaners in Dublin and are confident that consumers will benefit immensely from our service too.

Claim suppression, refers to employers’ concealment of or failure to report workplace injuries to the workers’ compensation board (WCB). The practice is widespread enough that the WCB of Manitoba commissioned an independent research report last May to examine the incidence of claim suppression. And that has to do primarily with managing the financial fallout stemming from workplace incidents. Preece reports that the WCB has nine different rate categories based on the level of risk. The average Manitoba employer currently pays $1.50 in premiums for every $100 in wages spent. For employers with a minimal risk rating, “you can pay as low as 14 cents for $100 payroll,” Preece says. At the other end of the risk spectrum, an employer hit with many workplace injuries and accidents could pay as much as $36 for every $100 in payroll. High-risk employers include those in the logging and window-cleaning sectors.

During the last two months window cleaner Chris, of Bluebell Close, has raced in the Paris, Belfast and Liverpool marathons, raising money for the National Autistic Society in the process.

Marathon man Chris set for fresh challenge: Chris Storey of Corby has completed three marathons so far in 2014. During the last two months window cleaner Chris, of Bluebell Close, has raced in the Paris, Belfast and Liverpool marathons, raising money for the National Autistic Society in the process. The 34-year-old, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago, is no stranger to physical feats of stamina. He also trekked Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains in February. Next up is the Three Peaks trek on home soil this summer before he turns his attention to Wales’ largest mass participation event, the Lloyds Bank Cardiff half marathon, on October 5. And while the exercise helps him with his own condition, Chris, who is a member of Corby Athletic Club, insists the main motivation is raising money and awareness for the National Autistic Society.

He said: “I was diagnosed with Asperger’s two years ago and I want to help give something back to the National Autistic Society. Chris, who has a three-year-old son, Alexander, added: “I love running. The training and keeping active helps me cope with my own condition as I am very hyperactive. “But I really wanted to help give something back to the charity, share my experience, raise money and heighten awareness of autism. Running the three marathons was a challenge but it was rewarding. I’m quite good at half marathons so I plan to get into shape with a few 10ks. The aim is to do it in one hour, 27 minutes.” Lloyds Bank is proud to continue its support of the Cardiff half marathon which is Wales’ largest mass participation event.

Job Description: Want a job making $30000 a year and Health Insurance Reimbursement? If you have at least two years of experience in customer service/hospitality, a valid driver’s license, an insured reliable vehicle, a cell phone and a friendly outgoing personality then we are the company for you! Fish Window Cleaning is the largest window cleaning company in the world. We are a family owned franchise with offices from St. Paul, MN to Green Bay, WI. We are rapidly growing and are in need of Service Technicians to work from our Eau Claire, WI office. Our Advanced Service Tech’s earn $20,000-$24,000 a year in taxable income, they are reimbursed $6,000-$10,000 in mileage and per diems. In addition to this with the right work ethic and attitude our top Technicians earn $1000 in tips each year! We provide HEALTH INSURANCE reimbursement, paid group accident insurance, dental assistance, and paid vacation and holidays. We DO NOT clean high rise. We DO NOT work nights or Sundays! Please Apply Online at www.wantagreatjob.com/1175.

The recent byelection results should be of no concern to Stephen Harper, especially in the socialist riding of Trinity-Spadina, where former Toronto city councillor Adam Vaughan won. I’m actually surprised the Conservatives managed to get 2,000 votes, and that they beat the Green party. That’s remarkable, since I didn’t see one lawn sign belonging to the Conservative candidate — whoever he or she was. In fact, I thought that someone named White Shark Window Cleaning might win, because it looked to me like he had as many lawn signs as the Liberals and NDP combined.

Sneesby used to work for a modular building company and developed the Archipod in the late Noughties, when the trend for homeworking was starting to gather momentum. “I worked at home myself, and found there were too many distractions – from window cleaners to people simply knocking on the door. My clients are varied and include solicitors working part-time to people just wanting a garden hideaway to read and chill out. But the demand for my pods has been increasing steadily, and I am expecting orders in 2014 to be up on last year.”

High wire workers with Tecumseh Window Washing clean the south facing windows of CIBC building on Ouellette Avenue just prior to Monday’s fireworks display. In fact, north facing windows were cleaned first, just in case rain showers hit the area. Click picture to enlarge.

Downtown Falcons Soaring In Des Moines: American Enterprise is an ordinary building with some extraordinary tenants–and chances are, you never thought to look. “Since 1993,” says Iowa DNR biologist, Pat Schlarbaum, “when the peregrine falcon discovered their alcoves, their cubby holes at the top of their building, it was just a perfect nest site. And they’ve been here ever since.” It’s not always the same falcon pair that nests here, but this one has some chicks, and it’s time to drop in for a check-up. The parents fly nervously overhead as the DNR-contracted window washing crew carefully removes their fluffy young. “Just two this year,” says one member of the crew, holding the chicks in a small plastic cage. Waiting below are veterinarians who give the noisy falcon chicks a checkup and slip identification bands around their ankles.

Spiderman Swings Into Action at Texas Children’s Hospital: Three-year-old Nasir Lester was watching television in his Texas hospital room, recovering from his latest round of chemotherapy when he heard the news: Spiderman was in the playroom. He jumped up and walked to the playroom, something his mother hadn’t seen him do since he was diagnosed with acute phenotype leukemia at the end of April, she said. Lately, he has only wanted to be carried. “You should have seen his eyes light up when he saw Spiderman in the playroom,” said Nasir’s mother, Rashaunda Lester. “It was amazing. That’s his favorite character.”

Like many other children at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Nasir is a few hours from home in Tyler, Texas, so sometimes he gets sad and misses his family. But he was all smiles this day. Nasir got a high-five from the masked hero, who sat down with him to toy with some Play-Doh. Then, Spiderman was whisked away, but not for long. He reappeared on the other side of the glass window, suspended by cables outside. Sometimes, Spiderman needs to take a break from fighting crime to wash a few windows. “He’ll have that memory for the rest of his life,” his mother said. Nasir has finished chemotherapy and will remain in the hospital for another two to three weeks until his white blood cell counts are back to normal. But for now the toddler can’t stop talking about his new friend. He told his family on the phone that night all about meeting the superhero, and woke up to ask his mom whether he was coming back. “He’ll come back again,” she told him. “He went to help people. He’s out helping people.”

Batman (Lorne Ashley of SkyReach Property Services) cleans windows Wednesday at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

Superheroes fight grime at IWK Health Centre in Halifax: Superman, Spiderman, Batman and Robin took time out of their superhero schedules to fight crime — sorry, grime — at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax on Wednesday. Young patients gathered and cheered when the superheroes scaled the wall and cleaned the windows. Superman, also known as Chad Ingraham, said he would normally fly for a job like this, but provincial safety regulations require the use of a harness. All four heroes work for Skyreach Properties Services and regularly clean the IWK windows. The idea to super size it came from Batman, also known as Loran Ashley.

"We did some shopping around. There aren't a whole lot of places, other than during Halloween time, to get good costumes. But we found a good one in Sackville," he said.

Batman was accompanied by Robin, who sometimes goes by the name Mark Snaglewsky. The superheroes said window cleaning was a worthy diversion. Kids lying in bed sat up and smiled when they saw the masked men sliding down the wall. Robin said he had a different experience. "All I got was hecklers," Snaglewsky said as the other superheros laughed. "Robin! You're not a real superhero." The layers of spandex amplified the day's heat. "It's a humid day, that's for sure. We're definitely sweating," said Spiderman, also known as Tyler Shepley.

Jennifer Galliot said her kids, especially three-year-old Corey, appreciate the effort. "Oh, he was so excited. They're his heroes. He dresses up as Batman and Superman and Spiderman every day. Ironically, I took his costume off right before we came down. But every day he has his costume on," she said. The IWK Health Centre invited the superhero window cleaners to return next summer. Barring villainous plots to overthrow the world, the four plan to be back.

Glass ranks as one of the most important materials of our age. You have only to think about smartphones, or drinking glasses, or look out of the window to realise that glass in its various forms is omnipresent. Fibre-optic cables transport our emails and research work out into the world, and buildings without architectural window glass are hardly conceivable nowadays. Glass plays an important role in everyday life without us being aware of its complex structure.

The most common types of glass are based on silicon dioxide. Its structure is taken as the prototype for amorphous networks. The term glass is used synonymously for amorphous materials here. The material properties can be modified by adding different additives to glass. But although researchers have been investigating glass for many decades, we have only a vague idea of its atomic structure. This information in particular is crucial for the characterisation and understanding of materials, however. Clarifying the atomic structure of glass is one of the most important, yet unsolved issues in science.

Ray Yee, plant manager of glass manufacturer PPG Industries, talks about the process to make window glass, in front of the furnace where sand and other ingredients are used to make it. The Fresno plant will soon make a new kind of glass using oxygen to melt the sand.

The Fresno plant of PPG Industries is one of only six production facilities in the world to use oxy-fuel furnace technology. Now Fresno will be a producer of specialty glass Starphire, which will be manufactured using the oxy-fuel processes. PPG, a Pittsburgh-based producer of specialty glass and plexiglass, developed Starphire nearly 20 years ago, according to Fresno plant manager Ray Yee. Starphire is a specialty glass that has architectural uses, like in office buildings featuring large glass windows. Until recently, it has been produced only at the company's main facility in Pennsylvania.
Fresno's oxy-fuel system eliminates emissions of nitrous oxide in flat glass, which Yee said is common in glass production, by using almost solely oxygen to generate heat in the sand-melting process. "It's a cleaner, hotter fuel with no NOX (nitrous oxide)," Yee said. Starphire is known for its clarity and lack of green tint, which Yee said is common in other glass. PPG will not be taking on any new employees in Fresno, but will instead divert some of the employee power used for flat glass to produce Starphire glass. The PPG Fresno facility has been operating for around 45 years. The plant, at 3333 S. Peach Ave., has 150 employees and produces 500 tons of flat glass annually. In 2013, the company's net sales were $15.1 billion, with glass accounting for 7% of the total.

Mr Leadsom also warned banks to speed up plans to save the cheque. In the Budget, the Government unveiled plans to cut clearing times. She said: “You’ll be able to photograph your cheque, text your bank and they will pay it in for you, and you can tear up your cheque. “It meets the needs of the small to medium enterprise, the window cleaner, the sole trader but it also meets the need of the elderly who were the people who were really going to be harmed by the demise of the cheque.”

How would you clean the glass? Most Breathtaking Resort Pools! Go for a swim in the sky at the Joule Hotel's rooftop pool in Dallas, Texas that literally gives you the sensation of swimming off the edge of the building. Designed by Adam D. Tihany, the glass pool extends eight feet beyond the hotel and offers incredible views from the plexiglass window located at the end of the pool. Perfectly heated year-round, order a trendy drink and retreat on one of the elegant lounging chairs for the ultimate vacation.

A chef has been forced to quit his job because of an uncontrollable fear – of baked beans. Rob Griffiths, 31, left his job as a pub chef in Milton Keynes because he felt faint every time he saw the food. The ex-chef believes his rare fear - technically known as leguminophobia – was a result of his brothers throwing beans at him as a child. ‘I get shaky and I just have to run if they’re anywhere near me,’ he said. ‘I was a pub chef and breakfast was hard. ‘Staff had to prepare the beans while I hid in the back. Mr Griffiths, who now works as a window cleaner, said he can’t even go near the beans – which he calls ‘orange devils’ – when they’re in tins in the supermarket. ‘It is very distressing,’ he admitted.

Two Scunthorpe United fans are campaigning to get more people to support the Iron. Stuart and Susan Maw are offering a bus service to Glanford Park, from Winterton, for all home games. They have chosen TJS Coaches, from Brigg, as the provider, so the bus can pick up from Brigg and Broughton, as well as Winterton. Mr Maw said: "My window cleaning business will subsidise the first home game, as a trial to see how much interest we get. "If it turns out to be popular, we shall keep it going helping to share the ambitions of the club." Mr Maw said the bus is now booked for the home game with Preston, and the price for a return seat will be £2.50. He said: "All money made will go back into funding these buses, and offering a free bus for those who travel regularly."

Man Sentenced to 30 Days for Catching Rain Water on Own Property Enters Jail: Gary Harrington, the Oregon man convicted of collecting rainwater and snow runoff on his rural property surrendered Wednesday morning to begin serving his 30-day, jail sentence in Med    ford, Ore. “I’m sacrificing my liberty so we can stand up as a country and stand for our liberty,” Harrington told a small crowd of people gathered outside of the Jackson County (Ore.) Jail. Several people held signs that showed support for Harrington as he was taken inside the jail. Harrington was found guilty two weeks ago of breaking a 1925 law for having, what state water managers called “three illegal reservoirs” on his property. He was convicted of nine misdemeanors, sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined over $1500 for collecting rainwater and snow runoff on his property. Harrington says he is not diverting the state's water -- merely collecting rainwater and snow melt that falls or flows on his own property. Harrington has vowed to continue to fight the penalty, stating that the government has become “big bullies” and that “from here on in, I’m going to fight it.”

Scots postman tells of horror attack as Royal Mail launch campaign against dangerous dogs: Postman Liam MacCallum, 26, from Giffnock, Glasgow, was hurt in a dog attack. He said: “I was delivering the mail when I went up to a door and I could hear a dog barking. Next thing I knew, a big German Shepherd dog came out the door at me, grabbing my hand. “It then jumped up and went for my face. I managed to break free and started running down the road. “It chased me for a few hundred metres before some window cleaners saw what was happening and scared it away. It was horrifying. I was covered in blood and pretty shaken up. I had to go to hospital to get stitches in my face. It has left a scar.

Residents in revolt over ‘toxic’ dust from new Dagenham development: The Lymington Fields development was given the go-ahead for another 292 homes and a school on the brownfield site in Chadwell Heath at a council planning meeting on Monday last week. The proposal passed despite objections by residents saying that work to compact toxic soil on the former landfill site has shaken crockery from cabinets, cracked walls and often covered cars and windows in dust.

Winifred Road resident Paul Simpson said: “A couple of days when I was home during the day it was really loud. The glasses in the cabinet were going ‘bang’ and a couple of them fell out. “My front windows are covered in dust and we have the window cleaner coming in two or three times a week.”

Window Cleaner Shot & Killed: (Jacksonville, Fla.) - The father of the man shot and killed outside Nippers Beach Grille on Thursday, Jimmy Carter, said he's thankful the community has been supportive of his family. Investigators said Zach Tipton was involved in a fight in the parking lot that escalated, and someone pulled a gun and shot him. He died at the scene. The shooter has not been arrested. Carter told News4Jax that his son was not in a gang, but did recently join a motorcycle club. Carter said he is still trying to piece together what happened, but told News4Jax from what he understands, Tipton was involved in an altercation that escalated when he was trying to leave Nippers parking lot on his motorcycle. "I understand he was shot above the eye, somewhere on the side of the head and somewhere maybe on possibly the neck. They said it was four shots fired, and I think from what I hear he was hit 3 times," said Tipoton's dad, Jimmy Carter.

Nippers hosted a fundraiser over the weekend to help Tipton's wife and children. It was one of several fundraisers that helped pay for Tipton's funeral expenses and left his wife and kids with some money to get back on their feet. Tipton and his wife, who were Hilliard Middle-Senior High School sweethearts, started a glass window cleaning business together in Fernandina Beach. They have three children. "He was a great father, great father, great son, I couldn't have asked for any better," said Jimmy Carter.

Dubai: For almost two and a half hours June 19, their lives hung literally by a thread – mid-air and in full view of hundreds driving past them down the busy Sharjah-bound Al Ittihad Road.

Dubai: For almost two and a half hours June 19, their lives hung literally by a thread – mid-air and in full view of hundreds driving past them down the busy Sharjah-bound Al Ittihad Road. Bangladeshi cleaners Mohammad Rashid, 22, and Mohammad Bulbul, 21, saw their nightmare end only after a dramatic rescue operation. They were stuck in a cradle on the 13th floor of a residential building in Al Nahda when its wires snapped around 4.30pm that day. “We were so high up in the air and the cradle was so small, that every time I looked down I thought I would fall and die,” Bulbul told XPRESS, still visibly shaken and recovering from the fatigue moments after being rescued by Dubai Civil Defence. The Civil Defence launched the rescue operation around 4.40pm and managed to bring the workers down at around 7pm.

“It was an extremely tough exercise. They (Dubai Civil Defence) first thought of breaking open the window in front of us, but then decided against it. Instead they began pulling us up from an open window a couple of levels above us after we were all secured tightly. It was like climbing a high mountain against gravity and so physically very demanding. It took about two hours, but their hard work eventually paid off as we emerged safe,” said Rashid, the more confident and calmer of the two. “I wasn’t scared because I knew if death was inevitable, so be it. I was focusing on staying composed in the face of the tough conditions,” he added.

A comment from the Dubai Civil Defence wasn’t available but according to eyewitnesses gathered at the time when XPRESS reached the site, the two were plucked out of danger after some real life drama. “It wasn’t as simple as it looked in the end. They were stuck there all the while the rescue team was trying to work out a strategy. The scenes were as if taken from a movie,” said an onlooker. Bulbul and his colleague had hopped on to the trolley as on any other work day that afternoon to clean the windows of the Al Nahda building. They were to complete all three lines of windows of the 28-floor building. “It was business as usual for us. We started after 3pm just after our mid-day break, knowing we would be done by around 6pm but all hell broke loose when the wire connecting the cradle snapped, just about 90 minutes into the job at the half way stage,” recalled Rashid. “Hopefully it will never happen again.”

It is Cleveland’s most enduring murder mystery, and July 4 marks the 60th anniversary of the brutal slaying of Marilyn Sheppard (pictured). The 1954 bludgeoning death of Sheppard and the arrest and conviction of her husband, Dr. Sam Sheppard, still resonates with visitors to the Bay Village Historical Society. BVHS member Eric Eakin, who helped put together a display on the Sheppard case, told Fox 8, “it was just such a one of a kind thing, where all the stars aligned to have a handsome guy, his beautiful wife murdered in her bed, and still no one knows who did it.”

After serving 10 years in prison, Sam Sheppard’s conviction was overturned in 1966, on the basis that sensational coverage of the case prevented him from getting a fair trial, and he was acquitted in a second trial. Sheppard’s claim that his wife was murdered by a bushy-haired intruder, was the inspiration for the television show and movie, “The Fugitive”. Sam Sheppard died in 1970, and 30 years later, his son filed a wrongful imprisonment lawsuit against the State of Ohio, claiming the murder had actually been committed by a window washer and convicted murderer, Richard Eberling.

Family pay tribute to cyclist killed on A354: The family of a cyclist killed in a road accident at the weekend have described him as a “ray of sunshine who was adored by everyone”. Gary Kelly, 49, died when his bike was in collision with a delivery lorry on the A354 between Coombe Bissett and the Rockbourne junction at 10.33am on Saturday. He suffered head injuries and died at the scene. Mr Kelly and a friend were enjoying one of their regular mountain bike rides when the accident happened.

In 1983 he founded Town & Country Cleaning with his brother and the family ran the business, providing window cleaning, domestic and business cleaning services for clients across south Wiltshire. When one of his friends became ill with cancer Mr Kelly pushed him up to the summit of Mount Snowden in a wheelchair, raising £1,000 for the Cancer Backup charity. “That was the sort of person he was, Gary would do anything for anyone. Within ten minutes of meeting him he made you feel like you’d known him a lifetime,” said his brother Mark. “He made the most of every day – he used to tell us he felt he’d lived a full life.

Posthumous bravery award for Luton PC Jon Henry: The young daughter of one of Luton’s bravest and best – murdered policeman Jon Henry – has received a posthumous award for bravery on her father’s behalf. She added: “PC Henry attemped to apprehend an armed suspect in order to protect the public and paid the ultimate price. He demonstrated extreme bravery and will remain in the hearts of our community as a courageous and noble man.”  PC Henry, 36, had been on duty less than half an hour on June 11, 2007, when he was stabbed twice in the chest in Luton town centre. He had been trying to disarm a knife-wielding man who had just stabbed a window cleaner in the back.

A Plainfield Township man serving a New Jersey state prison sentence for a gas station robbery was brought to Pennsylvania today to face burglary charges. Cody Hanisak was arraigned today by District Judge John Capobianco on charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. He was sent to Northampton County Prison after failing to post $25,000 bail. On the night of Feb. 4, 2013, Hanisak, 29, and Sarah Brittain's crimes spanned both sides of the Delaware River, according to court documents. Hanisak and Brittain, of White Township,  are both serving New Jersey state prison sentences after they displayed a fake handgun and robbed a Shell Gas Station on Memorial Parkway in Phillipsburg about 2 a.m. Feb. 4. The duo then headed to the 4000 block of Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township, Pa., where Hanisak broke into the home of John and Eileen Rossini about 3:30 a.m. Feb. 4, court documents say. Hanisak had cleaned the couple's windows in the past, records indicate.

Brittain told township police that Hanisak, who is a former employee of George Hanisak Window Cleaning LLC but was not performing work on behalf of the company at the Rossini home, said he had to stop at the Freemansburg Avenue home to pick up a ladder he'd forgotten the last time he'd been by to do work, according to court records. Brittain told police she waited in a van while Hanisak went inside the house, according to police. He allegedly ransacked the home while the couple was sleeping. Brittain told police Hanisak was carrying more than $2,000 worth of items from inside the home, including a purse, jewelry, flat-screen TV and two iPads, according to court records. The Rossinis awoke about 6:30 a.m. to find their front door open, their TV gone and the home ransacked.

Man wanted after 83-year-old woman was robbed in her own home: An elderly have-a-go pensioner grabbed a burglar in her sitting room then bravely chased him out of her flat. The 83-year-old woman was at her home in Heywood when the robber walked in and brazenly snatched some cash as his victim was talking on the phone. But the plucky OAP grabbed the villain’s arm, forcing him to drop some money before he escaped and fled from the scene. She still followed him as he made off, chasing him out of the complex. Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the break-in, at a block of flats on Todd Street in Heywood. It is thought the thief had raided another flat in the same block before getting into the elderly woman’s home. The offender had managed to sneak into the Todd Street complex through the communal entrance as some visitors were leaving.

He first went into an apartment and told an 82-year-old man he was the window cleaner and asked for payment. The elderly man had no money so the offender left empty-handed. The crook then walked into another flat where the 83-year-old woman was on the phone. As he reached over her and took cash from a cupboard, she grabbed his arm. He dropped a coin before running from the flat. The woman chased him but he disappeared out of view on Todd Street. Det Con Nick Price said: “Thankfully no one was hurt in these incidents but the offender clearly went into the block of flats with the intention of getting cash from vulnerable residents who were living there. We would urge anyone with information or who recognises the man in the image to contact police. “I would also advise all residents to remain vigilant and keep doors locked. If someone calls at your home without an appointment make sure you ask for ID and if still unsure ask them to come back at a time when you can have a friend or relative with you.”

Highbury burglars who posed as window cleaners jailed:  Two burglars who posed as window cleaners to steal tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods from homes have been jailed for a combined eight years. Darren Spencer, 38, and Steven Ward, 36, both of Highbury, worked together and with other accomplices to trick their victims, who included an elderly stroke victim and an MP. The elderly lady – from whom Spencer, of Aberdeen Park, stole £5,000 worth of jewellery in October last year – had another stroke just a month after the burglary and is now scared to answer her door.

Spencer, who had previously served three years in prison for burglary in 2012, asked for 10 other burglary offences to be taken into account, while Ward, of Panmure Close, committed both his burglary offences while out on licence. Both said they stole the goods to fund drug habits. Sentencing them at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Jane Sullivan said: “There was a great harm caused to the victims both in terms of financial and sentimental value of the items taken. Both were present when an unnamed MP’s home in Islington was burgled in January, when Spencer made off with earrings worth £700 while Ward attempted to distract the victim by knocking on the window.

Bogus workman jailed for five years: Samuel Davey stole cash and personal documents from the homes of his victims in Halesowen and Dudley – one of whom was 93, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday. The 25-year-old, of Snowdon Grove, Halesowen, had posed as a window cleaner and told another victim he was fixing a fence next door before stealing money in two separate distraction burglaries. But police tracked him down after his DNA was found on towels and a pen at their properties.
Mr Burn said he had targeted the home of an 85-year-old woman in Alma Street, Halesowen, less than a month before. He said the woman had answered the door to Davey, who had asked if she wanted her windows cleaning. Mr Burn said Davey claimed he needed to come into the house to measure up the windows and was allowed inside. The court heard that he took out a tape measure and asked for a hot drink and to borrow a blue pen. Mr Burn said: "While the tea was being made there were occasions the defendant was not kept under observation.

A window cleaner who left a partially blind man with fatal injuries after punching and kicking him outside a pub has been told by top judges that his “stiff” jail term was not a day too long. Craig Leighton, 27, “jabbed” disabled Kevin White, 52, after the older man touched his face. The victim was knocked to the ground outside the Prince of Wales pub, in Tilehurst, and Leighton followed up with a kick to his head. Mr White died in hospital six days after the attack on April 20, 2013, after his skull fractured when his head hit the pavement.

Leighton, of Coombe Road, Tilehurst, was jailed for six-and-a-half years at Reading Crown Court, after being convicted of manslaughter in November last year. Yesterday, he asked Lady Justice Macur, Mr Justice Openshaw and Judge Neil Ford, QC, sitting at London’s Criminal Appeal Court, to reduce that sentence, claiming it was far too long. Lawyers for Leighton, who was cleared of murder, argued the facts were akin to a so-called “one punch manslaughter”. Neither the punch, nor the kick, were hard or caused any significant injury, it was submitted.

It was also said Leighton should not have been penalised for the fact of Mr White’s disability – as he had not known about it. Lady Justice Macur, dismissing the appeal, said Leighton must have been aware his victim was vulnerable when he attacked. “It must have been obvious that he was an older man, unsteady on his feet, and had been drinking,” she added. “The single punch knocked him straight to the ground and Leighton must have heard the crack of his head hitting the pavement, as others did. “Nevertheless, after that, he kicked him to the head. This was a seriously aggravating feature, as was the fact that he fled the scene.” Throwing out his complaints, she concluded: “This was a stiff sentence but, in our judgement, it was not manifestly excessive.” Leighton was also refused permission to challenge his manslaughter conviction.