A LANDLORD has been convicted after a family were illegally evicted from a home in Clacton.

Lisa Bottone, of Cotswold Road, Clacton, admitted breaching the Protection from Eviction Act when she appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court last Thursday.

Ms Bottone was given a 12-month community service order with a rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days.

She was also ordered to pay £75 costs to victim Regina Dewar.

Tendring Council, which prosecuted the case, said Miss Dewar signed a 12-month tenancy agreement on September 13 last year to live at the property in Cotswold Road and the council agreed to pay the rent and deposit.

However a week later Ms Bottone visited Miss Dewar to tell her she could no longer move in.

Miss Dewar was advised by council officers that Ms Bottone would have to go through the correct eviction procedure.

But when Miss Dewar arrived at the property to move in on September 22 she was barred entry.

Two council officers attended and spoke to Ms Bottone but she refused to change her position, so the council decided to enforce the breach of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Council housing boss Paul Honeywood said he hoped the case would be a deterrent to other landlords.

“We came to a conclusion that in this instance the landlord did not have a reasonable cause to stop Miss Dewar’s occupation of the property,” he said.

“It was felt to be in the public interest to enforce the legislation to avoid homelessness and prevent other incidents occurring.

“Where there is sufficient evidence we will not hesitate to take action over illegal evictions – and that should be a warning to all.

“I welcome this prosecution and hope that it sends a clear message.”