26-year-old conwoman avoids jail time for using deceptive tactics to rent apartments

Sian White from Pickering, North Yorkshire, has avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to 14 counts of fraud and one count of controlling and coercive behavior. One incident involved providing fake documents to secure a tenancy in Newcastle, leaving the landlord with unpaid rent of around £4,000. Another incident in April 2020, during Covid, saw White falsifying bank statements to rent a property, leaving the landlord with over £1,000 in unpaid rent. She also manipulated a man in a relationship with her to make himself homeless and jobless, causing him “significant psychological harm.”

White’s actions were described as an appalling catalogue of offending by the judge, who noted her compulsive dishonesty and use of sophisticated methods to defraud people. Her lawyer stated that her mental health issues underpin her offending and that she has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Despite the gravity of her crimes, White received a suspended two-year prison sentence, with a rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work. The judge warned her that she would be imprisoned if she committed any further offenses and encouraged her to lead an honest and industrious life.

The court heard that White deceived landlords and employers by employing deceitful tactics such as using false documents and pay slips. Her victims were left in financial distress due to unpaid rent and damages caused to properties. Additionally, she exhibited controlling and coercive behavior towards her partner, which led to his psychological suffering. Despite White’s psychological difficulties, including a borderline personality disorder, the judge acknowledged that she had shown a radical change in behavior since 2021, attributed to the support from professionals and family members.

White’s manipulation of landlords and employers through fraud and deceit left them with financial losses and emotional distress. Her partner, who suffered psychological harm due to her controlling behavior, described her as toxic and warped. The judge emphasized the seriousness of her actions and the impact on her victims while recognizing her psychological challenges. White’s avoidance of a prison sentence was contingent on her committing to rehabilitation and leading an honest life moving forward. The case highlighted the complexities of mental health issues and criminal behavior, urging the need for support and intervention to prevent further harm.