17th
Sep 2021
PIMS note: As in most cases there is a news policy on not naming companies, landlords and agents, however it is felt that this should be a ‘Naming and Shaming’ exercise as the actions have badly tarnished the sector.
A lettings agent has been sent to prison for three years after being found guilty of defrauding landlords and tenants to the tune of over £182,000.
The ex-director of Berkshire Estate Agents, Lee Clark, 42, is now enjoying three meals a day courtesy of Her Majesty’s Government.
After Slough Trading Standards carried out an investigation into Clark in 2019 when he was barred from The Property Ombudsman for not paying back money to complainants as ordered, he subsequently disappeared.
However the ‘criminal’ agent finally appeared in court earlier this month after investigations by both Slough Trading Standards and Thames Valley Police were concluded.
The court was told officers found that Clark had between 18th September 2013 and December 12th swindled 31 clients (landlords and tenants) out of £182,047.63.
Investigating officer in charge of the joint investigation, Detective Constable Luke Simms of the Thames Valley Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “Lee Clarke started a company called Berkshire Estate Agents Limited in Windsor Road, Slough. No-one else employed by the company was involved in Clarke’s crimes, which took place
“Clarke knowingly collected rent from tenants but then deliberately chose not to pass on this rent to landlords. Clarke also deceived his clients by failing to protect deposits collected from tenants as part of a deposit protection scheme, as stipulated by tenancy agreements and as required by law.
“During 2018, a number of landlords and tenants reported concerns regarding Berkshire Estate Agents Limited to Slough Trading Standards.
“What followed was a thorough investigation by Slough Trading Standards and Thames Valley Police.
“Our joint investigation uncovered the effects Clarke’s criminality, both in terms of the serious financial harm to his 31 victims, but also the fear which Clarke instilled in them, with many of his victims describing Clarke as someone who was aggressive and threatening when clients made complaints.
“The sentence will be a relief to many of the victims in this case and should provide reassurance to the public and community of Slough that those who commit fraudulent crimes using a business will be brought to justice.”
The disgraced ex-agent was also barred from being a director of a company for six years.
In a previous court hearing held 9th August this year, Clark pleaded guilty to 18 charges brought against him.
However there is more as he also pleaded guilty to a further 17 counts of fraud by deception and one count of Section 993 of the Companies Act 2006, to continue with his illegal actions within the business.
The Principal Trading Standards Officer for Slough Borough Council, Peter Adshead said: “This has been a complex and lengthy investigation where many Slough residents were victims of this man and the agency.
“The evidence was meticulously collected by the Trading Standards team and handed over to the police to assist with a successful prosecution. Cooperation with the police continued throughout the investigation.
“We hope this sentence will remind business owners that failure to comply with legislation will be investigated and brought before the courts where necessary.
“Landlords and tenants expect their money to be legally protected and monies handed over promptly.”
News Archive »