Zero tolerance for domestic violence, says council after eviction battle

Islington Council has today warned it has zero tolerance for domestic violence, after evicting a violent tenant who assaulted his ex-partner in the communal space of his building near Old Street. 

 

Council concierge staff witnessed the attack and physically intervened to prevent further violence against the victim. 

 

They later provided evidence, in the form of a statement, which, along with CCTV footage, enabled the council to take proactive action in evicting the tenant, in accordance with its zero tolerance policy.   

 

The north London local authority won a legal battle against the resident after he used a technicality as grounds to challenge the council’s efforts to re-possess his flat. 

 

Upon learning of the man’s arrest for assault, the council immediately investigated, serving him with a notice. 

 

The tenant launched a legal challenge – claiming the council had not served the required notice on him.

 

Originally, the District Judge rejected his line of defence and allowed the council to proceed with re-possessing the flat, but the resident was later successful on appeal. 

 

The case was then heard at the Court of Appeal, which ruled in Islington Council’s favour. Hearing the appeal, the Court of Appeal decided that the notice served on him was valid and the possession order re-instated

 

The council’s executive member for community safety, finance, and performance, Cllr Andy Hull, said: “Ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s business. It should never be tolerated, in any form, by any of us. 

 

“Making Islington a fairer place must also mean making it a safer place for everyone who lives here, especially in their own homes, and that’s exactly why we took action in this case.

 

“As a community, we stand alongside survivors of abuse and are determined to support them to report these crimes, rebuild their lives and stay safe, and to do even more to ensure its perpetrators are brought to justice.

 

Earlier this year Islington Council launched its new strategy for combating violence against women and girls in the borough. For more information, please see: http://bit.ly/2nXo9ZE.