A BARNSLEY resident who illegally sub-let his council house over a two year period has been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison.
Saeed Javani failed to declare that he was no longer living at his council house on Bala Street, Barnsley and that he was sub-letting it.
He pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Section 1(2) and (6) of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (POSHFA).
Concerns were raised with the council’s anti-fraud team by Berneslai Homes.
It was believed that Mr Javani was not living in the property and had sub-let his council house to another family.
Investigations revealed he had sub-let his council house to several individuals and families between June 2014 to June 2016.
In sentencing, the Chairman of Magistrates told Mr Javani: “This was a very serious offence which has crossed the custody threshold. It was a sophisticated and planned offence of dishonesty over a period of time. During that time you gained financially from the rent you charged to tenants.”
The Court also made an Unlawful Profit Order under Section 4 of POSHFA 2013 requiring the defendant to pay the landlord Berneslai Homes the sum of £5,725. The amount represents the profits made by Mr Javani as a result of his conduct, and will be paid on his release.
Berneslai Homes is now seeking possession of the property following the successful conviction.
