Judge strips Bognor Regis tenant of home for second time

A JUDGE has stripped an anti-social tenant of her home for the second time in two months.
A police officer stands guard at 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112142001A police officer stands guard at 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112142001
A police officer stands guard at 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112142001

Christopher Parker QC terminated the reprieve granted to the main occupant of 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, after the house was shut down under new the new Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

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However, within two days they breached the conditions of the reprieve and have lost the home again.

Council workers board up the front door of 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112131001Council workers board up the front door of 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112131001
Council workers board up the front door of 31, Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, on June 5. Picture by Eddie Mitchell SUS-150806-112131001

“The effect of terminating the right of occupation is that they are back to square one,” said Judge Parker of the tenant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

“The original closure order now remains in force and any breach of that order presumably goes before the magistrates’ court for enforcement purposes.”

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Both Arun District Council and Sussex Police applied under the new act to board up the house and make it off limits for three months, following complaints from residents.

Police in Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, June 5. SUS-150506-190622001Police in Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, June 5. SUS-150506-190622001
Police in Ash Grove, Bognor Regis, June 5. SUS-150506-190622001

On Monday at Chichester Crown Court, Judge Parker heard evidence from the council saying neighbours heard and saw a man entering the property on the night of July 30 – just two days after the occupant moved back in on July 28.

In addition, on the evening of August 3 another man parked his car on the drive and flashed his lights at the home, which was spotted by neighbours.

Police arrived at the scene and searched the man’s car, finding cannabis and arresting him.

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The tenant returned to find the police and man on the drive and the court heard they said upon seeing the situation words to the effect of ‘oh no, what have you done?’

The house is now off limits to everyone until September 4. A magistrates’ court will hear an application to extend the closure order for a further three months on August 28.

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