A 34-year-old man who scammed tenants at a London flat out of more than £77,000 has been jailed for 35 months.
Freddie Priestley, residing at Leathermarket Court in Southwark, south London, was earlier convicted of fraud by false representation at Inner London Crown Court.
Priestley advertised rooms to rent at a three-bedroom property in Bermondsey, where he demanded staggering deposits from prospective tenants.
Once he had secured their money, he would fabricate reasons why they could not move in - all the while keeping their deposit payments, which he deployed on 34 separate tenants.
Prior to his sentencing, a BBC investigation into his activities uncovered multiple victims, each describing how they had been deceived by the fraudster.
Several of Priestley's victims attended the sentencing hearing, sitting in the courtroom alongside the defendant's own parents throughout the process.
The court heard Priestley's preferred excuse for blocking tenants from moving in was to claim his father had died - a cold lie he used repeatedly.
Defence lawyers revealed the total sum he pocketed from the scheme amounted to £77,406, noting Priestley had sometimes stolen from new victims specifically to reimburse earlier ones.
Freddie Priestley scammed 34 prospective tenants out of ballooned deposit payments
|MET POLICE
His legal team sought a reduced sentence, citing an ADHD diagnosis, and what they described as a "crippling" gambling addiction.
Priestley wept in the dock as his lawyer outlined his gambling problems, which he described as a "Jekyll and Hyde situation".
One victim visibly rolled their eyes when the defence suggested Priestley's addiction meant he "no longer recognised himself".
The defence claimed Priestley hadn't a dime of his illicit earnings, having gambled every penny.
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Passing sentence, the judge said: "I considered this case so serious and the results on those who were able to speak had such a detriment I take the view that this sentence should be a sentence that is served."
Speaking after the hearing, one victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the outcome as "fair" to reporters.
"I was obviously sad that we won't get compensation because they say he's very poor, but I don't think that's the case. But at least justice was served," they said.
Rental fraud represents a growing problem across the country, with the Report Fraud service recording 4,441 cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland over the past year - with those aged 20 to 29 most vulnerable.
Detective Constable Abimbola Emiola, from the Met’s economic crime team, said: “Priestley exploited people who were simply looking for somewhere to live, using convincing paperwork and false reassurances to make his scheme appear legitimate.
“This was not an isolated incident, but a sustained fraud carried out over many months, affecting dozens of victims and causing significant financial and emotional distress.
“This sentence demonstrates that we will pursue those who abuse online platforms to commit fraud.
“We encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim to report it as soon as possible.”
The Metropolitan Police have urged people searching for accommodation to exercise extreme caution when using social media platforms.
Detective Chief Inspector Imran Beg, also from the force's economic crimes team, said: "Rental fraud is particularly an issue in the summer months, when you've got people coming down to London to study, and now's the time to be more vigilant."
He described how criminals exploit the pressure renters feel to secure properties quickly, urging people to pause and consult trusted friends before committing.
The Met advised prospective tenants to conduct thorough research and avoid paying deposits without proper verification.