Manton: Yob evicted from flat after drug abuse and threatening violence

Robert Johnstone, of Morven House, Manton, Worksop, along with visitors to the property, which is located in a three-storey block of flats, was said to have put the safety of other residents at risk with their behaviour.

Mansfield County Court heard that Johnstone had engaged in frequent drug abuse, damaged property and created excessive noise at all hours of the day and night.

A1 Housing and Bassetlaw District Council’s joint anti-social behaviour team has now secured possession of the property.

Don Spittlehouse, managing director at A1 Housing, said: “Our tenants have the right to live in their homes without the fear of violence, disruption and substance misuse happening on their doorstep. Mr Johnstone subjected his neighbours to an unacceptable and traumatic spell of anti-social behaviour and I’m delighted that the court saw fit to rid the community of this individual as quickly as possible.”

Johnstone was allocated the tenancy on 2nd February 2015 and had previously been living in emergency accommodation following a fire at his last residence, which left him homeless.

However, A1 Housing began to receive complaints about Johnstone’s behaviour as early as March 2015. Notts Police, as well as housing officers, were required to attend the property on a number of occasions due to reports of anti-social behaviour.

As the tenancy was in its first 12-months, it was deemed to be an introductory tenancy, which means the tenant has fewer legal rights. Introductory tenancies are designed to help deal with the small minority of new tenants who persistently break their conditions of tenancy. This makes it easier for A1 Housing and Bassetlaw District Council to apply for a possession order.

During the hearing on 8th May 2015, District Judge Wall ordered that possession of the property was to be given back to A1 Housing by 22nd May.

As Johnstone did not voluntarily vacate the property during the time allowed, an eviction took place on 19th June.

Mr Spittlehouse added: “A1 Housing does not tolerate the kind of behaviour that Mr Johnstone subjected his neighbours to and will seek permission from the courts to evict problematic tenants should the circumstances be deemed to be serious enough.”