Fake landlord in rent fraud

A fraudster who conned a couple out of £380 by pretending to be a landlord is due to be sentenced.
Crime storyCrime story
Crime story

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, August 13, how Curtis Hood, 31, of Beechwood Close, Sutton-in-Ashfield, pretended to be the landlord of a vacant Bolsover District Council property in Pinxton before taking a month’s rent from a couple.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “The offence relates to a Bolsover council owned property that was rented to the defendant’s cousin but the cousin had given notice and had left the property.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The defendant has then advertised the property for rent on the Gumtree website and the complainant and his heavily pregnant partner made enquiries, viewed the property and agreed to pay £380 in rent.”

Mrs Allsop also explained how Hood took the couple to a carpet shop and he agreed he would buy a new carpet to be fitted.

The couple moved in and soon became aware something was wrong, according to Mrs Allsop, when a member of staff from Bolsover council visited and explained the home was a council property.

Hood, who works for a furniture company as a fabricator, admitted to police he had spoken to the couple and taken their money after claiming to be the landlord of the property and had agreed carpets would also be provided.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The defendant pleaded guilty to committing fraud by making a false representation during March 26 to make a financial gain.

Hood, who represented himself, said: “I was wrong for what I did. It was for financial gain. There are no other issues in my life such as alcohol or drugs.”

District Judge Andrew Davison adjourned the case until August 15 to consider reports before sentencing.

Related topics: