A disgruntled landlord who claimed his tenants had unpaid rent removed their entire bathroom, including the toilet, a court was told.
Terrence Kermode, 76, a landlord of 30 years, removed the toilet, sink and other fittings from the bathroom after realising there were rent and bills outstanding. 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.
READ MORE: Boy, 15, dies after being 'pinned down and stabbed' outside school
Kermode pleaded guilty to the offence of unlawful eviction and harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 at Mold Magistrates Court and the matter was adjourned to a sentencing hearing.
On September 15, Mold Magistrates Court was told 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 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.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Ten day warning to everyone with an electricity meter
Woman hasn't seen her husband in five years as he is banned from UK
'Telling' reason Queen changed burial plans for her favourite corgi
Eamonn Holmes posts cryptic message over Holly and Phil 'sacking' demand
ITV Emmerdale's Paddy actor Dominic Brunt announces career change
