Irresponsible tenant evicted anti social visitor sentenced to prison
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
05/02/2008
Council crack down on anti social tenant and visitor
A council tenant who showed wilful disregard for other local residents has paid the price for her anti-social behaviour. Ann Gorman was evicted from 31 Rigault Road in Fulham on 28 November 2007 after making her neighbours’ lives hell.
Ms Gorman made a habit of inviting drunks back to her flat where she would play loud music at all times of the night and day. Horrified neighbours also frequently witnessed verbal and physical confrontations spilling out of the flat and into the street.
“H&F Council are not going to simply sit back and allow tenants to behave like this,” said Councillor Adronie Alford, cabinet member for housing. “This tenant failed to take responsibility for her tenancy and paid the ultimate price of losing her home. Other residents of Rigault Road have the right to expect peace and quiet in their own homes and anyone who doesn’t respect that will find this council is prepared to act.”
H&F Council’s anti-social behaviour unit, the Fulham Town safer neighbourhood team and H&F Homes worked together to gather the necessary evidence to prove to a district judge that Ms Gorman was acting in a way that necessitated the return of possession of the property to the council. The council were supported in bringing the action by concerned neighbours of Ms Gorman.
Remarkably in this case, H&F Council even went as far as to take an injunction out against one of the most problematic of visitors to 31 Rigault Road in an attempt to ensure Ms Gorman maintained her home. Robbie Kelly, of no fixed abode, was ordered not to enter the property, or to come within 50 metres of it. Despite this, Mr Kelly breached the order and H&F Council took the case back to court on 19 October 2007, where he was given a two-month custodial sentence.
“The council is becoming increasingly experienced at clamping down on anti-social behaviour,” said Councillor Smith, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour. “This is a fine example of how successful we are at finding ways to stop those people intent on causing trouble.”
