A disgruntled landlord who claimed his tenants had unpaid rent removed their bathroom - and toilet, a court heard. Terrence Kermode, 76, a landlord of 30 years, removed the toilet, sink and other fittings from the bathroom.
Magistrates said Kermode had essentially broken into someone’s home and removed belongings and a bathroom. Flintshire County Council’s Environmental Health Officers prosecuted the private sector landlord for unlawfully evicting and harassing a tenant living in a private rented property.
At Mold Magistrates Court in July Kermode pleaded guilty to the offence of unlawful eviction and harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the matter was adjourned to a sentencing hearing. At the sentencing hearing at Mold Magistrates Court, it was offered in mitigation that Mr Kermode was 76, had no prior convictions and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
It was heard that Kermode had ripped out the bathroom in a “moment of madness” in the knowledge that there was rent and bills outstanding. In accordance with the pre-sentencing report, the Magistrates handed down a Financial Penalty (Band D fine of £1000), a court surcharge (£100) and awarded FCC’s full costs (£2,623.14). Mr Kermode has 28 days to pay.
Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection, Councillor Christopher Bithell, said: “We believe everyone has the right to live in a home which is in good repair, safe, warm and secure.
''Whilst we aim to reduce the health effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and financial assistance, occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious a prosecution is necessary. This successful prosecution sends out a clear message to landlords that Flintshire County Council will do all it can to protect its residents from unlawful eviction and harassment.
''It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed and that tenants are afforded the security that they need during the current cost of living crisis.”
