A letting agency boss has been spared jail after stealing nearly £100,000 from a landlord whose portfolio of properties he was managing.
Stephen Webster, 38, who ran The Letting Business in Norwich, used the money to fund his drug and alcohol addictions.
The landlord became concerned at how his 95 properties were being managed. An accountant who looked at the figures discovered £97,498 was missing, and the matter was reported to the police.
It was found that Webster had also stolen £695 from another landlord.
The thefts took place between 2014 and 2015, and were admitted by Webster.
Norwich Crown Court heard that he had since sought help with his drink and drug problems, and paid back the £695, and £30,000 to the other landlord.
Recorder Frank Burton heard that Webster was continuing to try to repay the money.
Webster was given a 20-month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.
The court heard his family was standing by him.
According to Companies House, The Letting Business was dissolved in March 2016.
Hmmm, in effect he netted £500 per hour for his 200 hours of ‘unpaid work’ – shocking.
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