A MODERN day Fagin who used young children to carry out distraction burglaries at the homes of the elderly in Watford and elsewhere in Hertfordshire has been jailed for six years.

Martin Cawley was described in court as a "protector, organiser and sergeant" for young girls who would call at the homes of the elderly and infirm with a hoax story to gain entry.

St Albans Crown Court was told the girls picked because they were pretty and innocent looking would say they had called at the home of their grandmother who wasn't in.

Asking if they could leave a note, they would be invited in to write a letter and usually ask for a glass of water.

It was a trick to distract their victim so that others could creep around the property looking for cash and bank cards to steal.

During a five month period between November of last year and April this year, Cawley and the gang stole more than £2,000.

Sarah McDonagh, now 19, was typical of the teenagers used by the gang. With her long blonde, wavy hair and pretty face, she would look a picture of innocence standing on a doorstep and telling the elderly occupant "my granny is out".

She appeared with Cawley in court on Thursday when they both pleaded guilty to conspiring to burgle.

She was sentenced to three and a half years detention in a young offenders institute.

The couple, both of Warren Road, Luton, were arrested after a three month investigation in which time they were followed and kept under secret surveillance.

September 30, 2002 12:30