A disgruntled Welsh landlord ripped apart his tenant’s bathroom and left them without a toilet after a row over unpaid rent and bills, a court has heard. Terrence Kermode, of Wood Lane in Hawarden, Flintshire, removed the toilet, sink, and other bathroom fittings from a property he was renting out.
Kermode, aged 76, who has been a landlord for 30 years, said he caused the damage in a “moment of madness” after learning that a sum of money from the tenant was outstanding. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters emailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
Images taken from inside the bathroom show the ripped out toilet, sink, and other items dumped in the bath, leaving an exposed pipe protruding from the wall and holes in the floor and wall. Kermode pleaded guilty to unlawfully evicting and harassing a tenant under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 at a previous hearing held at Mold Magistrates' Court.
Read more: Mum brutally kicks boyfriend's ex in the face and stomach
At a sentencing hearing at the same court last week the landlord was told that his behaviour was “outrageous” and effectively amounted to breaking into someone’s home and removing belongings from it. Kermode’s age was offered as mitigation along with the fact that he had no prior convictions and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. However, despite those facts, the landlord was handed a fine of £1,000, a surcharge of £100, and made to pay costs of more than £2,600 – all of which he must pay within 28 days.
“We believe everyone has the right to live in a home which is in good repair, safe, warm and secure,” said Christopher Bithell, Flintshire council’s cabinet member for planning, public health, and public protection. "Whilst we aim to reduce the health effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and financial assistance occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious a prosecution is necessary.
“This successful prosecution sends out a clear message to landlords that Flintshire council will do all it can to protect its residents from unlawful eviction and harassment. It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed and that tenants are afforded the security that they need during the current cost of living crisis.”
Read next:
- 'Violent and abusive' man smashed woman's head on floor and threw mirror at her
- Man died after being hit by roller shutter door at Cardiff work site
- Imam who raped schoolgirl in mosque given absolute discharge due to dementia
- Drug dealer ordered to hand over bag containing £11,000 in cash
- Intoxicated driver crashed into lamppost and ran leaving passenger unconscious
Find out about the latest crime reports where you live:
