AN ESTATE agent who defrauded an 80-year-old client out of £160,000 and lied about having terminal cancer has been jailed.
Elizabeth Smith had been helping Joan Cannon, of St Leonards, in her quest to buy a property near her autistic son.
Between May 2018 and March 2019, Smith defrauded the elderly woman out of £160,000.
Instead of using the money to help complete the property purchase, Smith kept it and spent £13,950 on a new Mercedes and additional funds on a trip to Dubai, the court heard.
The 52-year-old, who was trading under Waves Estates in Rye, pleaded guilty on August 11 to fraud by abuse of position.
Smith, previously of Winchelsea Beach but now of Wilton Road, Bexhill, was sentenced to five-years and 14 days in prison at Hove Crown Court on November 2.
After being caught, Smith claimed to have terminal stomach cancer in “an attempt to get sympathy”, the court was told.
Joan had been in court to see Smith admit the offence earlier this year, but died soon afterwards at the age of 82.
In a statement written before her death, Joan said: “I had no reason to doubt what Smith was asking me to do.
“However, when I found out that I had actually been defrauded by Smith, my entire world came crashing down - we are now facing being homeless.”
Detective Sergeant Mitchell Humby said this was a “heartless fraud on an elderly and vulnerable person”.
“It only came to light when the victim became suspicious of the transactions passing though her account and the person from whom she was buying the property became concerned as to why she wasn't receiving the money in payment.
"The trial was then delayed for court scheduling Covid-related reasons, but the victim followed the case, so she eventually saw Smith admit her guilt and be remanded in custody to await sentencing.
“However, tragically Joan died only a few days later."
Much of the £160,000 had not been recovered, the court heard.
Defence barrister James Hay said Smith was “mortified” at her actions and was “deeply sorry”.
The court heard she had struggled with anxiety and alcohol but had a history of positive good character helping other people.
Sentencing Smith, Judge Martin Huseyin said her actions were “utterly despicable”.
He added: “The claim of having a mortal disease turns out to be untrue and an attempt to get sympathy … a willingness not to tell the truth in order to avoid consequences.”
The prosecution, authorised by the CPS, follows an investigation by Hastings detectives after a report was received in March 2019.
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