A letting agent has been jailed for keeping more than £15,000 in client deposits.
Thirugnanaselvam Damayantharan ran See Own Properties in Purley and My Lawn Estates in Croydon.
Over a six year period Thirugnanaselvam is alleged to have failed to create the tenancies promised to landlords, nor return deposits to prospective tenants.
A local press report suggests the missing money was in at least 33 transactions for properties, mostly in Croydon. Eventually, he was arrested after victims provided evidence of deposits being held.
A judge told Thirugnanaselvam at Croydon Crown Court that: “You were quick and efficient at relieving them of their money, if necessary by driving them, there and then, to cashpoint machines. Some have spoken of being made to feel rushed. Thereafter, they found it increasingly difficult to make contact with you.”
Thirugnanaselvam has been sentenced to 19 months in prison.
You can see the full report here.
