Hell neighbours ordered to leave
A JUDGE has given residents on a Sheffield housing estate an early Christmas present - after he booted out a yobbish couple who made neighbours' lives a misery.
Judge John Swanson ordered tenant Rachel Smith and boyfriend James Johnson to leave the flat they share in Ridal Close, Stocksbridge, by December 23.
He granted landlord Sheffield Homes' application for possession of the property at Sheffield County Court, after a three-day hearing.
The court heard Smith and Johnson, both 35, had committed "aggressive and intimidating behaviour on the estate".
When one neighbour complained about loud music played from their flat, his window was covered in paint.
It was also claimed Mr Johnson was aggressive to housing officers who visited Miss Smith's property.
And last February, the court was told Smith assaulted another resident and an employee of maintenance company Kier Sheffield, who had been called out after Johnson lost the keys to his flat, in nearby Rydal Avenue.
Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of battery at Sheffield Magistrates' Court in May and received a non-custodial sentence.
Johnson was evicted from his own property in October for terrorising pensioners - but moved in with Smith straight afterwards.
Following the case, one neighbour said: "It's great news - the judge has given us an early Christmas present. We can't wait to see the back of them both."
Sheffield Council's cabinet member for housing, Coun Bob McCann, said: "This case sends out a strong message that people who continue to make their neighbours lives hell will not be tolerated.
"We have to take a stand against such people who are selfish and don't care about others.
"Rest assured we will take action to ensure law-abiding citizens enjoy their homes without fear or intimidation."
If Smith and Johnson do not leave by December 23 they will be forcibly evicted.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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