Stafford and Rural Homes

December 13, 2007

An Anti Social Behaviour Injunction with Power of Arrest, and an Exclusion Order, was granted at Stoke County Court on 5 December 2007 against Terry Greensmith, a tenant at Elm Court, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent.

The court heard that the defendant had been a well known perpetrator of anti-social behaviour for a number of years, due to his aggressive and violent nature. Witnesses had been afraid to come forward sooner with direct evidence due to fear of retribution. However, through committed witness support and regular contact from the Neighbourhood Services Team, residents did feel more confident and assisted in the investigations, resulting in the Injunction being granted.

On 8 October 2007 the defendant was shouting, swearing, playing excessively loud music, throwing objects from his balcony and putting lighted paper through his neighbour’s door. He was subsequently arrested.

Deputy District Judge Hammond ordered that the defendant be forbidden, whether by himself or by instructing or encouraging any other person, from:

1. Using or threatening violence against any person in Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent;
2. Engaging in conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to persons in the locality;
3. Contacting or approaching any named witnesses in these proceedings;
4. Playing or allowing to be played music so loudly it causes nuisance or annoyance to persons in the locality of Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge.
5. Using or allowing to be used abusive or offensive language and shouting so loudly that it causes nuisance or annoyance to persons in the locality of Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge.
6. Entering the area known as Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge, Stoke on Trent

This Order is to remain in force until 5 December 2008 at 12 noon.

The Power of Arrest made under S153c or S153d Housing Act 1996, applies to points 1,3 & 6 of the order.

The Defendant was also ordered to pay Stafford and Rural Homes’ costs within 14 days.

Chief Executive, Karen Armitage said “This is a fantastic result for the local community of Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge and for our Neighbourhood Services Team. It is the second Anti Social Behaviour Injunction we have secured in this area in the past 4 months and residents will hopefully feel safer and will have more confidence in reporting serious acts of anti social behaviour, now that they can see real results from their landlord”.