Fraudster Priestley's jail term cut by Court of Appeal

A fraudster from Southwark has had his prison sentence reduced by the Court of Appeal. Freddie Priestley, 34, was originally sentenced to 35 months in jail in June for stealing over £77,000 from more than 30 prospective tenants. He admitted to falsely advertising a flat for rent on Facebook, taking deposit and rent payments from individuals.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in August, reduced Priestley's sentence to two years, though it ruled the term should not be suspended. Three senior judges determined that the initial sentencing judge had made "insufficient allowance" for mitigating factors in the case. Priestley had pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

Gambling Addiction Cited as Mitigation

Lady Justice Andrews stated that Priestley "was in the grip of a gambling addiction," which, while not excusing his actions, provided an explanation for his offending behaviour. Priestley advertised the flat online, sent tenancy agreements to potential renters, and requested deposits and, in some cases, the first month's rent. He admitted his fraudulent activities to some victims before his arrest, expressing shame and explaining he had experienced a "major relapse" in his gambling.

The court heard that some of Priestley's victims were overseas students who faced difficulties finding alternative accommodation. Others were refused compensation by their banks. One victim, who had cancer, used their savings with the hope of renting the flat and subsequently became homeless, sofa-surfing at friends' homes.

During the appeal hearing, counsel for Priestley argued that his gambling addiction had not been sufficiently considered as a cause of the offending. It was also submitted that his time in prison had had a "considerable sobering effect and a deterrent effect." However, Lady Justice Andrews commented that Priestley had shown he "did not care" about his victims and that custody remained appropriate.