An Oxford man has been prosecuted for unlawfully evicting his house mate and dumping his belongings on the pavement outside his home.
John Johnson-Bowler, of Magdalen Road, pleaded guilty to the unlawful eviction of his fellow tenant from the same property when he appeared at Oxford Magistrates Court on Friday, November 11. He was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, plus 60 hours community service and was ordered to pay £500 costs and £100 compensation.
The court heard that on February 16, following a long campaign of homophobic abuse, Mr Johnson-Bowler acting in his capacity as agent for the landlord, unlawfully evicted the tenant by changing the lock to his front door and dumping all his belongings on the pavement outside his home.
Oxford City Council’s tenancy relations officer, from the environmental development service, visited the property and tried to prevent the eviction by cautioning Mr Johnson Bowler and warning him of the possible consequences of his actions. She also assisted the tenant after he was evicted from his home.
Councillor Joe McManners, board member for housing needs, said: “This sentence will demonstrate to landlords and their agents that the council takes unlawful eviction seriously.
“The sentence is a clear sign that the view of the magistrates is that this type of action is completely unacceptable. We will be continuing our efforts to improve the standards of properties in Oxford for tenants.”
Mr Johnson-Bowler had pleaded guilty to the offence at Oxford Magistrates Court on September 30. He was sentenced on November 11 at the same court. He was given credit for an early guilty plea, and his previous good character.
