The ringleader of a scam roof repairs syndicate, which defrauded a Bexley man of $42,000, has been sentenced to a maximum of eight years in jail.
Myles Connors and two accomplices, targeted elderly home owners across Sydney.
The three men, all Irish nationals, told their victims their roofs needed repairs and then charged them exorbitant sums, saying the money had to be paid in cash to buy materials.
The syndicate, which used the business name Jordys Home Improvements, defrauded Bexley resident Michael Hickson of $42,000 and a Denistone West woman of $524,000.
Mr Hickson has since died.
In handing down sentence, Judge J North said Connors had "cleverly manipulated" the home owners, 9 News reported.
"One can only guess the heartache and misery [he caused]," the judge said
Connors' "callous acts" had been "motivated by pure greed".
The three men were arrested by detectives from Strike Force Denain, which was set up in St George Police Area Command.
Three men were arrested trying to leave the country with large sums of money.
Connors, who came to Australia on a fake passport, reportedly is wanted for questioning in Britain over a string of burglaries.