A letting agent who allowed a criminal gang to use landlords’ empty flats to hide cash and drugs has been given a community sentence.

Natalie Child, who works for a local property firm, was nabbed by police when she turned up at one of the flats in Cavendish Street, Ramsgate (pictured), which was used to conceal large quantities of cocaine and drug-related equipment.

Detectives had been carrying out an investigation into a group led by Matthew O’Reilly, who frequently arranged for two other men – Carl Fincham and Rocco Inchenko – to collect, store and sell illegal substances on his behalf.

In February 2023, officers found Inchenko in possession of two large bricks of cocaine, as well as small packets of the class A drug and a key fob that granted him access to a nearby flat. They seized a total of 1.2kg of cocaine valued at more than £30,000.

Child arrived and attempted to gain entry while police were still inside the property. She admitted having given Inchenko the keys to the flat and mobile phone evidence was used to prove O’Reilly had arranged for money to be left in a fridge for her to collect. She claimed to have been paid £500 across several weeks.

Jailed

At Canterbury Crown Court, O’Reilly, 38, of Bakers Field, Ramsgate, was jailed for eight years and three months; Fincham, 43, of Northwood Road, Broadstairs, was sentenced to eight years; Inchenko, 21, of Dumpton Park Drive, Ramsgate, was jailed for five years and three months, while Child, 33, of Naylands, Margate, received a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Investigating officer, detective constable Aaron Chapman, says: “The letting agent involved in this case claims that whilst she suspected the flats were being used for criminal purposes, she did not know it was related to the sale of cocaine. However, ignorance is not an excuse and she played a key role in allowing these serious offences to be committed.”

Image credit: Google Streetview