An agent has been sentenced to jail after being found guilty of 17 counts of theft involving tenants’ deposits and rent owed to landlords.

Manish Manek, 54, ran Je Je Barons, in Kingston-on-Thames, south-west London, between 2008 and 2012.

He stole £47,000 before disappearing in October 2012.

He also had debts of some £18,000 including pay owed to employees.

He had told his staff that he was going into hospital, but instead flew to India, having secretly sold his home.

His staff found out the truth when Manek did not return to the office and their wages were not paid.

Police then launched an investigation and found he had been putting deposits and rents into his personal account.

Manek also apparently tried to pin the thefts on his employees.

Local paper the Surrey Comet reported in October 2012 that a message left in the Je Je Barons shop window read: “There have been many allegations made, which have been investigated by Kingston CID and proven false and our solicitors are currently dealing with the matter.

“All staff have been dismissed in this context due to improper behaviour and dishonesty.”

Solicitors told the Comet they were acting for Manek in relation to a claim for damages against former staff.

Manek was finally arrested when trying to re-enter Britain last September.

On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 20 months in jail at Kingston Crown Court.

Detective Constable Paul Lawlor, from Kingston CID, said: “Manek stole from the very people who were paying him to manage their properties and keep his business running.

“He blamed his criminal activities on his huge debt, his ill health and the health of family members.

“Regardless of what his personal circumstance may have been, it does not justify resorting to criminal activities thinking it is an easy route out.

“Because of his actions, Manek is not only serving a custodial sentence in jail but has also lost the reputation he once had within his community.”

As the law stands, there is nothing to stop Manek working in lettings or sales in future.