Forest of Dean District Council has successfully prosecuted a woman who illegally evicted a family from a property in Newent.
Judith Barrington, 52, of Gunns Mill Farm, Mitcheldean, pleaded guilty to illegal eviction when she appeared at Gloucester Magistrates’ Court. she was fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 costs.
The court heard Barrington illegally evicted the family from a farm in Castle Tump, Newent, on 26 January 2010.
The residents of the property returned home and were advised by Barrington they had to clear the premises.
The evicted family have had to live with friends as Barrington refused them access to the property.
Private sector housing manager at the district council, Lorraine Drew said: “We have had a few instances like this recently where landlords have tried to evict a tenant without following the correct legal procedure. This case is a warning to those landlords that the council may take action against them.
“Our strategic housing teams can give help and advice to landlords and tenants on a range of issues including how to end tenancies legally.”
Cllr Venk Shenoi, cabinet member for Planning and Housing said: “Hopefully this case will demonstrate that illegally evicting someone is unacceptable and there are procedures which must be followed.
“I am sure this is an exception and that most landlords take their duty of care to vulnerable tenants seriously."
