When it comes to rogues, you can almost always be sure that landlords and letting agents will feature prominently in any top 10 list.

It’s a shame, since much has been done in recent years to clean up the working practices of many a dodgy landlord and agent.

Indeed, the vast majority of individuals and firms who now work in the rental market are as angered and outraged by the actions of the small minority who continue to bring their profession into disrepute, as are those at the sharp end – their tenants.

And in Oxford, the conduct of the city’s letting agents has generally been held in high regard.

But now, thanks to the selfish, greedy actions of Zulfiqar Hussain, they will worry that, despite their best efforts and commitment, they will be tarred with the same brush.

Equally, for those in our community who rent, it will automatically trigger a knee-jerk suspicion and wariness towards an industry which has worked hard to clean up its act.

Sadly, in this particular instance, there will be no winners.

Hussain’s tenants have lost money and the city’s other agents will almost certainly find themselves scrutinised by the public.

Let us just hope Hussain is never able to commit these crimes again.