A rogue landlord who chucked his tenant onto the street and threw out his belongings has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Nur Miah Choudhury, from Bridgwater in Somerset, illegally locked out Ponciano Da Silva from the property in St Johns Street (pictured) while the tenant was working a night shift.
Mr Da Silva returned home early in the morning to find himself homeless.
Taunton Magistrates Court heard that the tenant had regularly paid rent and had believed he would get a month’s notice – which was in itself unlawful given the provisions of the Coronavirus Act to extend protection.
He had lost all his possessions during the eviction, many of which were personal and irreplaceable.
Choudhury had been told by Sedgemoor District Council’s housing team that he must abide by the law before the eviction and, by his own admission, had chosen not to do so.
Serious offence
Magistrates said that while they accepted the landlord had been ill, was of previous good character and ashamed of his actions, it was a very serious offence.
Choudhury was given a six months’ prison sentence (suspended for 12 months) and ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation to his tenant, along with costs of £250.
A council spokesman says: “The majority of landlords are very willing to work with the council and are compliant with their obligations to their tenants. However, the council will continue to crack down on landlords who not complying with the housing legislation which is in place to protect tenants.”
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