A gambling addict has avoided jail after deceiving his family by falsely putting his family home up for rent. 

Between August and November of this year, Sumeet Vij of Sandringham Close, Ilford, advertised the family home where he lived, as available to rent on Gumtree. 

The home was not for rent and actually belonged to the 28-year-old's mother who knew nothing about the property being advertised online.  

Whilst family members were out of the house, Vij held nine different viewings from people who were so keen they paid him deposits varying from £1,300 to £2,600.  

Vij was subsequently arrested and charged with 10 counts of dishonestly making false representations to make personal gain. 

During sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on December 8, the court heard how Vij had a gambling problem and resorted to fraud to pay off his debts.  

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for 24 months, ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and fined £14,000 in compensation costs.

He must also attend the National Problem Gambling Clinic.  

If he fails to pay back the money, he will automatically be jailed for 12 months.