A council tenant in Sheffield has narrowly avoided eviction from her home, after her partner stored drugs and stolen goods at the property.
Lynn Lockwood, 55, of Blackstock Road in Gleadless Valley, Sheffield was given a two-year suspended possession order at Sheffield County Court.
As a result she, must now abide by her tenancy conditions, which ban any criminal activity – or face eviction.
The court heard how Mrs Lockwood’s property had been raided by South Yorkshire Police on several occasions when her former-partner, Stephen Haywood, was living there.
On 11 May 2015 at Sheffield Crown Court, Haywood, 59, was convicted of handling stolen goods and possession of amphetamines and cannabis.
The goods and drugs were found at Mrs Lockwood’s property, which Haywood is now banned from under the conditions of her order and in a separate undertaking, which Haywood agreed to in court.
After the hearing, Cabinet Member for Housing at Sheffield City Council, Councillor Jayne Dunn, said:
“Everyone has the right to live alongside law abiding people – and we will not tolerate criminal activity.
“As this case shows, there can be serious consequences for people who use our council housing for illegal activities.
“We can and do take action to prevent criminal and anti-social behaviour.
“But we can only do this if we know it’s happening – if anyone is having any problems or needs to report issues, then please get in touch.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise homeowners, public sector tenants or private sector tenants on how to deal with nuisance neighbours under the law – including nuisance caused by noise intrusion, anti-social behaviour, harassment, threatening behaviour, alcohol-related nuisance, drug use or drug dealing, graffiti, criminal damage, fly tipping or waste in gardens, trespass, barking dogs and anti-social behaviour from minors.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and our housing team is also able to advise on tenancy agreements, Landlord and Tenant disputes, disrepair of rented property, unlawful eviction and landlords’ breaches of health and safety.
For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.