A LANDLORD was fleeced out of two years’ rent after a forgetful estate agent resorted to fraud.

Hereford Crown Court heard that Richard Probert, aged 34, managed a Leominster flat on behalf of a local businessman.

But the McCartney’s property manager forgot about its tenants - and produced false documents to cover his mistakes.

Probert, of Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, was sentenced on Friday after admitting to fraud between January 2007 and May 2009.

Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said Probert was responsible for managing and letting a split property in Etnam Street. Probert failed to deal with the rent arrears after finding tenants when the owner considered selling.

Instead he produced false documents for several sources, including another housing agency and Herefordshire Council.

“The documents the defendant created have fooled a lot of people,” said Mr Davies. “In this case the defendant made no financial gain. He was just trying to maintain his record by coveringup his failures.”

Mr Davies said Probert eventually confessed to the County Court, which tipped off HM Revenue and Customs.

The exact cost of the fraud was not disclosed, but Mr Davies asked for compensation of £11,000.

Michael Anning, for Probert, said the case was “unusual” but wasn’t planned or premeditated.

He added that Probert owned up at the first chance but would lose his good name in the community. He has kept his job at McCartney’s but faces possible legal action from the owner.

Probert was given an 18-month community order and 250 hours of unpaid work. He must pay costs of £1,235 but the compensation order was rejected.