Real Estate Agent Sentenced to Jail for Stealing Almost $100,000 from Elderly Client

A real estate agent in Melbourne has been sentenced to three months in jail after stealing almost $100,000 from an elderly client to fund a lavish lifestyle. Hayley Philpot, 29, who is pregnant with her second child, used the stolen money for high-end fashion, beauty treatments, electronic devices, and meals.

Philpot befriended the 80-year-old victim while working at Savoy Real Estate Yarra Glen in 2019. She then became the woman’s power of attorney and proceeded to drain nearly $100,000 from her bank account over a 15-month period. The stolen funds were spent on items such as an Apple iPhone, a MacBook, hair and beauty treatments, Uber rides, car repairs, meals out, and shopping sprees at various stores.

The victim only discovered the theft when she noticed the missing money from her account and sought legal help. Philpot was arrested in February 2022 and admitted to taking the money to help her brother pay off a debt to a ‘bikie gang.’

During sentencing, Magistrate David Starvaggi described the theft as one of the most severe breaches of trust he had seen. Philpot was ordered to repay over $60,000 and serve a three-month jail term. Despite her actions, Philpot continues to work in the real estate industry as a freelance buyers advocate in Melbourne.

The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of trust in the power of attorney system. The victim, who was left financially devastated by the theft, serves as a cautionary tale for others to be vigilant in protecting their assets.