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Staff Reporter
A real estate agent who turned himself in to his boss has been given a two year ban and a $3,000 fine by the state regulator.
Byron Hutton, who previously worked at Harcourts Alliance Joondalup in Perth, kept clients’ money intended for property advertising or repairs.
The Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, took disciplinary action against Mr Hutton for breaches of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act.
The State Administrative Tribunal reprimanded Mr Hutton for contravening four sections of the code of conduct for his industry.
Ms Driscoll said the disqualification and fine was an appropriate outcome.
“Mr Hutton is now disqualified from working as a real estate or business agent or sales representative for a period of two years because he has been deemed unfit to hold a certificate of registration,” she said.
“It is important to uphold standards in the real estate industry and all agents must, without exception, comply with the law in regard to the handling of clients’ funds in the process of advertising and selling property.”
Consumer Affairs told Real Estate Business that Mr Hutton came forward and advised his employer of the transgression. The office then advised the governing body of the agent's actions.
According to Consumer Affairs, Mr Hutton has not worked in the industry since November 2010.
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