Following a ruling by a District Judge yesterday, a council tenant has been evicted as his drink and drug-related activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for his neighbours
The council was granted a possession order by York County Court to end the tenancy of Dawon Belleh, aged 42 of 8 Oldman Court, Foxwood. Mr. Belleh was evicted yesterday, Thursday 30 January 2025.
This follows reports from neighbours to the council and police about drink and drug taking and dealing, loud noise and arguments at the apartment, and an endless succession of visitors. The anti-social behaviour in the property and area was a continual source of disruption and concerns for local people, who were worried about its impact on their families.
City of York Council officers served a legal warning of eviction (a Notice of Intention to Seek Possession) on Mr Belleh, which he breached. This resulted in the council being granted an eviction order (a Suspended Possession Order) by York County Court, to be activated only if further breaches were found.
Following complaints from neighbours and evidence of loud noise, drink and drug taking, numerous and anti-social visitors, the council returned the case to York County Court. Where, after considering evidence, the Judge granted the Council permission to apply for a warrant of eviction.
Mr. Belleh asked the court to suspend the warrant of eviction which was refused on 30 January 2025 by the District Judge. Council officers then evicted Mr. Belleh, advising him where he could apply for new housing, should he need it.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:
Our tenancy agreements specify that criminal or anti-social behaviour can result in tenancies being ended.
“Thanks to Mr. Belleh’s neighbours co-operating with the council and police, their evidence and reports ensured that we were able to stop the nuisance they experienced from this tenant. This case sends a clear message we will take action to protect neighbours and free homes to tenants who respect and abide by the tenancy agreements.”
Sergeant Charlotte Gregory of North Yorkshire Police, added:
Drug use and anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact of the quality of life for local people. It’s unacceptable and we’ll use all the powers and resources available to us to take action against those who make other people’s lives a misery.
“This result is evidence of our joint working with City of York Council and my thanks go to them for their work that has culminated in this eviction. I hope local people are reassured that we will take action and will continue to do so, as part of Project Titan, a York-based operation to tackle drugs and the impact on our communities.”
Please report anti-social behaviour here or report it to the police on telephone: 101 if a non-emergency.
Anti-social noise levels can be reported here or by calling telephone: 01904 551525 Monday-Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm, or by calling the Noise Patrol telephone: 01904 551555 from 9.00pm Friday to 3.00am Saturday and between 9.00pm Saturday to 3.00am Sunday.