Pensioner evicted for anti-social behaviour

Roy Witherden, 67, has been told he must leave his home by 10 June after Mansfield District Council successfully obtained a possession order at Nottingham Crown Court.

Neighbours began to complain about the behaviour of Mr Witherden months after he was granted a tenancy in March 2009. His anti-social behaviour led to 45 police visits to his home in little more than a year.

The court heard he verbally abused vulnerable tenants, had violent arguments and fights with his partner and exposed himself while walking around a public area at the block of flats in Meden Vale.

In January he was convicted of assaulting a housing officer, and banned from leaving his home between noon and 6pm for a period of 28 days, as well as receiving a six month community order, and told to pay £200 in costs and £50 compensation.

Danny McCrossan, public protection portfolio holder at Mansfield District Council, said: ‘There are many vulnerable residents at Melville Court and they have shown great bravery in the face of some intimidating circumstances.

‘Two residents, including a disabled lady, had moved out because of his actions but still provided vital evidence for the case. 

‘All our efforts to reason with Mr Witherden and to warn him about his behaviour appeared to fall on deaf ears, so it is difficult to have any sympathy that he now faces eviction.’

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