Mortgage News
Adviser who lived rent free in client’s house jailed
An adviser who lived rent free in a disabled client’s house without his consent or knowledge has been jailed for more than two years.
Christopher Peacher, who until last June ran former Financial Ltd appointed representative Sovereign Financial Services (East Anglia), admitted defrauding stroke victim Fred Turner out of £11,800 and was sentenced to 27 month at Norwich Crown Court, reported the Eastern Daily Press.
Peacher had gained the trust of Turner after he contacted Sovereign in 2011 for advice about how to invest an inheritance. It was decided that the adviser would purchase a buy to let property to fund the round-the-clock care Turner, 71, required.
But after telling Turner the property’s first tenant was delayed moving in, Peacher and his wife moved in instead, and lived rent free for six months, costing the owner almost £12,000.
According to the Eastern Daily Press report, the court heard Turner owed North Norfolk District Council back-dated council tax and had been threatened with eviction as a result of Peacher’s activities.
It also heard Peacher had a history of personal bankruptcy and was “truly remorseful” for this actions.
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