Problem tenant faces court after order breach

Press release: An abstract view of the Council crest

A problem tenant whose North Tyneside flat became a hive for anti-social behaviour faces court after breaching a closure order when a visitor was discovered hiding under her kitchen sink.

North Tyneside Council, supported by officers from Northumbria Police, took action to secure a closure order on the flat in Balkwell Green, North Shields, after the tenant made life a misery for her neighbours.

In recent months, the council and police have received numerous complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour at the address – reporting parties, loud music and Covid-19 breaches.

On January 15, North Tyneside Council, working with police, the address was given a three-month-long closure order – prohibiting anyone but the tenant, landlord and emergency services from entering the address. If the order was breached the tenant and visitors risked prosecution.

But within 48 hours of the notice, officers were back at the address following reports of a breach.

Officers searched the address and located a male visitor hiding in a kitchen cupboard. A 30-year-old man has been charged for breaching the order.

Days later on January 21, a further breach was reported and the 29-year-old occupant has been reported for summons, which means she is now being prosecuted for aiding and abetting the breach by her visitor.

Richie Mitchell, North Tyneside Council’s Community and Public Space Protection Manager, said: “Since the start of the pandemic the council has taken out 15 closure orders on properties in the borough where Covid regulations have been continually breached and anti-social behaviour has been reported.

“We will continue to work closely with police to take action against those who break the rules and anyone who breaches a court order could face up to 51 weeks in prison.”

PC Lewis Cadden, of Northumbria Police, added: “This behaviour would be selfish under any circumstances but during a global pandemic it is utterly disgraceful.    

“By working closely with North Tyneside Council, we were able to secure a closure order on the property – banning anyone bar a very select few entry to the flat.

“The tenant proved herself incapable of following the order and now she is being prosecuted, her guest has been charged and will appear before a court shortly.

“Anyone who repeatedly causes bother like this in their neighbourhood needs to take note – action will be taken against you for the good of the community and you face being evicted from your home and being put before a court.”