COUNCIL TENANT EVICTED FOR USING PROPERTY AS A BROTHEL
A City Council tenant was today ordered by the County Court to give up his home by 29 October 2010, after being found guilty of using the property for illegal prostitution and drugs.
Trevor Hayles of All Saints Street, Hockley, and his partner Martina Docherty, a known prostitute, were each served with interim ASBOs but were not issued with full orders due to lack of direct evidence of their activities. Local residents were too afraid of the couple and would therefore only provide hearsay statements, which resulted in the couple escaping the two-year order.
In spite of this, the Judge admitted he was deeply suspicious that they had been using the property to control some of the local street prostitutes and that at times, they had used the property as a brothel.
The possession order will be welcome news to residents living nearby, who have been forced to suffer years of anti-social behaviour as a result of the pair’s behaviour.
Officers from Birmingham Anti Social Behaviour Unit, part of the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, have worked tirelessly on the case alongside officers from the City Council and West Midlands Police in an attempt to restore justice.
Cllr Ayoub Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said, “It is unfortunate that we were unable to secure the full term ASBOs, particularly as this was prevented due to local residents being too scared to come forward and give evidence. This demonstrates the difficult challenges we face in tackling anti-social behaviour and ensuring that justice is restored for those who have been forced to suffer.
However, I am delighted that the possession order was upheld and hope that this will give the residents of All Saints Street and neighbouring areas the chance to enjoy their community in peace”.
Cllr John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing said, “This is another example which shows our determination to tackle Anti Social Behaviour. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour from our tenants, and we will continue to work to make our neighbourhoods safer places to live."
Inspector Phil Dolby of West Midlands Police said, “The result determined by the court today is very much a victory for the communities of Hockley and Winson Green. The local council and the local police have worked very hard on behalf of, and in partnership with the community to achieve this result’.
Notes to editors
1. Please contact Lindsey Stubbins 0121 303 2160 for further information.
2. Birmingham Community Safety Partnership is a multi-agency partnership that brings together agencies including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and others who are all working together for a safer city.
