Four people who routinely harassed, threatened and unlawfully evicted their tenants have been successfully prosecuted by Thanet District Council.
The council launched an investigation following allegations of criminal activity taking place in a building containing 26 flats. This included tenants being threatened and having their belongings thrown into the street. Electrical supplies were also regularly cut off and locks changed.
In the largest ever prosecution of its type, the four defendants have been convicted of a total of 28 offences.
Cllr Ash Ashbee, leader of Thanet District Council, said: 'The sentences that the judge handed down today reflect the severity of the crimes committed by these four individuals.
'This was a landmark prosecution for us, and one of the largest ever brought for this kind of criminal activity in England. This outcome sends out a strong message to other landlords and agents in the district that we will not hesitate to prosecute you if you unlawfully evict or harass your tenants.'
Sohila Tamiz has been given 14 custodial sentences, culminating in five years’ imprisonment. Pedram Tamiz was given seven custodial sentences culminating in a total sentence of three years and four months’ imprisonment. Adam McChesney was subject to five custodial sentences, culminating in one year and eight months’ imprisonment suspended for 24 months. Kasem El Darrat was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work and must attend 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
Ten compensation orders were also made totalling £30,50.
