A FAMILY is being supported into a new home after their landlady was convicted of illegally renting social housing.

Justyna Koczela, 43, of Zaulek Wisniowy, Poland, was convicted of illegal subletting after renting out a property in Banbury owned by social landlord Sanctuary Housing.

ALSO READ: Oxford City Council told landlord training rule is 'illegal'

She assured the family she was the owner of the property when tenancy started in 2017.

Ms Koczela, who has moved out of the country, was convicted at Oxford Magistrates' Court on May 13 and ordered to pay £6,254.90 in fines, court costs, and an unlawful profit order.

Cherwell District Council chief operating officer Graeme Kane said: "This conviction will leave people in no doubt that we will act to protect the district’s social housing stock for the people who really need it.

"The tenants are the real victims in this case.

"They had moved into the property in good faith and have had to endure considerable disruption through no fault of their own.

"I am pleased that we have been able to allocate a new home to them through the housing register."