Legal News

West Lancashire Borough Council has successfully evicted a 22-year-old council tenant, after he was convicted of burglary and stealing furniture from his neighbour’s flat, which he then used to furnish his own home.

Niall Charnock was arrested after police found a number of items belonging to his neighbour in his flat in Blakehall, Digmoor in Skelmersdale.

Officers had been called to the flats by Charnock’s neighbour, after she discovered that all her belongings had been stolen – items found in Charnock’s flat were a wardrobe, a set of drawers, a bed frame, a washing machine and sofas.

On 1 September 2015 at Ormskirk Magistrates’ Court, Charnock pleaded guilty to burglary and theft – and received a Community Order which included 70 hours of community service.

He was also ordered to pay £180 in costs and pay £250 in compensation to his neighbour.

The council applied to have Charnock evicted, as he had breached his tenancy agreement by using his home for illegal activity and failing to maintain the standards expected of a tenant during the trial period of his introductory tenancy.

Wigan County Court ordered that possession of the property be granted to the council – and also granted a money order against Charnock for rent arrears totalling £877.51 and a payment of £10.21 per day until the property was vacated.

The council is also issuing Charnock a bill in excess of £200 for repair works needed before the property can be re-let.

Charnock was not at the flat when the eviction was formally carried out on 27 January.

West Lancashire Borough Council’s portfolio holder for housing, Councillor Jenny Patterson, said:

“All our tenants must abide by the law, respect the rights and property of their neighbours – and keep to their tenancy agreement.

“This case shows that the council will take action against tenants who do not keep to their tenancy agreement, which could result in them losing their home.”

West Lancashire Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Kevin Wright added:

“Burglary is a crime and the council works very closely with the police to keep people in West Lancashire safe.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing matters, including advising on Local Authority housing and breaches of tenancy agreements, or Landlord and Tenant disputes.

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors are also able to advise public and private sector rental tenants on:

• Council’s obligation to re-house
• Disrepair of rented property
• Lease extensions
• Housing Benefit
• Housing possession
• Notice to quit
• Nuisance neighbours
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.