Agent sentenced for £48,000 fraud against landlords and tenants
Victoria Steele, who owned and ran eHomes in Norfolk, was given a suspended prison sentence after admitting 19 offences.
An agent has been sentenced for fraud offences against landlords and tenants totalling more than £48,000.
Victoria Steele owned and ran eHomes (pictured), a property letting business in Swaffham, Norfolk, for 15 years up to 2019.
She was accused of withholding tenant deposits and failing to pass rental payments onto landlords.
Suspended sentence
Steele, who is 51, was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work.
She had previously admitted 19 offences involving 20 victims, who suffered losses of £48,858.
The police have started action under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to seek compensation for the victims, and a hearing is due to take place in February next year.
Investigation
The investigation began after a number of landlords and tenants raised concerns about e-Homes Ltd, formerly known as Prestige Property Ltd.
Norfolk Crown Court heard how the company offered either a full management, or a let-only service.
Steele had failed to pay some tenants’ deposits into an approved deposit protection scheme.
Police also received reports of rental payments made by tenants not being passed on to landlords.
Missing money
Victims described how their relationships with Steele initially appeared professional and positive before concerns were raised about missing money, unanswered enquiries and unreturned property keys.
DC Stuart D’Costa of Norfolk Police said: “The victims in this case placed their trust in Steele to manage their properties and finances professionally.
“Instead, she abused that trust, leaving landlords and tenants significantly out of pocket and causing considerable stress and anxiety over a prolonged period.
“I would like to thank all those who came forward and assisted with what was a complex investigation.”
