An estate agent stole thousands of pounds from clients in a bid to prop up his failing business.
Tim Catherall operated from High Road, Beeston, where he sold houses and also ran a managing letting company, which landlords used to rent out their homes through his firm, Hartleys Estate Agents.
Catherall's business operated successfully for a number of years but a downturn led to his business suffering financially and the 53 year old went bankrupt in 2018.
He closed the company and it was at this point that tenants and landlords realised that deposits had been used to keep the business operational, rather than being paid into a proper scheme.
An investigation by Nottinghamshire Police's fraud team uncovered financial transactions dating back to 2009 and in total it was discovered that 17 landlords lost 27 rent deposits, which totalled £26,475. The amounts varies between £550 to £7,555, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
Catherall, of Carolgate in Retford, was interviewed and admitted he had not paid the money into the deposit scheme but had kept it himself for the business. He was charged and pleaded guilty to dishonestly making false representation to make a gain.
He was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, September 24. He must also complete 200 hours' unpaid work by September 23 next year.
Detective Constable Chris Underwood, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Catherall stole from his clients and tried to justify to himself that he was doing it for the good of the business which he has now lost. He has also lost a tremendous amount of pride and now has been left with a criminal record.
"His actions cost dozens of people hundreds of pounds and caused a huge amount of stress and worry.
"We take these incidents seriously and hope the victims can find some comfort in knowing that Catherall has been held to account for his crimes."
