Stafford and Rural Homes

April 11, 2008

John Denning of 75 Old Road, Stone was jailed for 6 months and evicted from his home when found guilty of breaching a previous anti-social behaviour injunction. Residents had been left frightened to go out at night due to drug use and violence at and around Denning’s home. He was also ordered to pay Stafford and Rural Homes’ estimated legal costs of £1768.51.

The breach of the original injunction took place on Friday 22 February 2008 in which a warrant was executed at Denning’s home. A search found controlled drugs (cocaine and cannabis), and drug paraphernalia.

His Honour Judge Rubery, in passing sentence, said “I am satisfied on evidence given, that it is clear that John Denning is in serious breach of the Anti Social Behaviour Injunction. I agree that the breach places it at higher end of scale for sentencing purposes and I therefore sentence him to six months imprisonment. In view of the breach of the Anti Social Behaviour Injunction, possession [of Denning’s home] is granted forthwith.”

Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of Stafford and Rural Homes, said:

“This is probably the best result we have had in our continued fight against anti-social behaviour on our estates. It’s another example of really effective partnership working with Stafford Police, in this case Stone Neighbourhood Policing Unit, which has seen this matter resolved in just over 10 months. The fact that the judge saw fit to imprison the defendant sends a clear message that the Courts take breaches of Injunctions extremely seriously. Stafford and Rural Homes will continue to do everything in its power to reduce anti social behaviour, including drug use, on its estates.