Letting agency owner sentenced for defrauding landlords and tenants in Norfolk
Victoria Steele must complete unpaid work after pleading guilty to multiple fraud charges
Victoria Steele, 51, of School Road, Holme Hale, has been sentenced for defrauding landlords and tenants of more than £48,000 through her property letting business in Norfolk.
Steele, who ran E-HOMES Ltd (previously Prestige Property Ltd), was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to 19 counts of fraud at Norwich Crown Court on 30th September. Additionally, she is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
The fraudulent activities came to light after landlords and tenants raised concerns about Steele's management practices. Police investigations revealed Steele’s failure to protect tenant deposits in a government-backed Deposit Protection Scheme, leaving landlords financially vulnerable. Many victims reported rental payments were not passed onto landlords, straining their finances.
E-HOMES Ltd offered full management and let-only services, collecting security deposits and initial rent payments. Some victims spoke of initially professional relationships with Steele, which later soured due to missing funds and unresolved inquiries.
A total of 20 victims suffered financial losses amounting to £48,858.10, prompting police to initiate proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with a confiscation hearing scheduled for February 2027.
Detective Constable Stuart D’Costa said, “The victims in this case placed their trust in Steele to manage their properties and finances. Instead, she abused that trust, causing significant financial distress and anxiety over a prolonged period. I would like to thank those who assisted with this complex investigation.”