Frederic Priestley's rental scam sentence cut by 11 months

A fraudster who conned more than 30 individuals out of almost £77,500 through a rental scam has had his prison sentence shortened. Frederic Priestley, aged 34, was originally sentenced to two years and 11 months in custody in June. He had falsely advertised a London property on Facebook between April and September 2025, providing fake tenancy agreements and collecting rent and deposits for a flat he did not own.

Sentence Reduction at Court of Appeal

At the Court of Appeal, barristers representing Priestley argued for a reduction and suspension of his sentence. Lady Justice Andrews, sitting with Mrs Justice McGowan and Mr Justice Hilliard, stated that while the circumstances did not excuse his actions, they offered an explanation. The judges reduced his jail term to two years but decided against suspending the sentence. They concluded that the initial sentencing judge had made insufficient allowance for mitigating factors, notably Priestley’s gambling addiction, which emerged following the dissolution of a relationship.

Priestley was apprehended on October 9, 2025, and subsequently pleaded guilty in April to one charge of fraud by false representation. In messages to some victims, Priestley admitted his gambling addiction, stating he was experiencing a significant relapse during the period when victims viewed the flat and paid in advance. He expressed shame and sorrow for his actions.

Some of those defrauded were international students who struggled to find alternative accommodation. Other victims were unable to recover their losses through their banks.