Council tenant out after raids at Tipton home
A council tenant whose Tipton home was at the centre of police raids which discovered drugs, stolen goods and stun guns has left the property after facing legal action.
Tabatha Shilton, 23, faced legal action after repeated problems at the home in Kingsbury Road, Princes End, where she lived with partner Aaron Stokes. Walsall County Court granted a 28-day possession order after hearing police had raided the home a number of times and found cannabis plants, stolen items and two illegal stun guns.
Miss Shilton has now handed back the keys to the home, which Sandwell Homes will let to a new tenant.
The court heard there had also been complaints about suspected stolen motorcycles being ridden around the estate and drugs being used or dealt in and around the property.
Stokes is currently behind bars for assault and breaching a suspended sentence.
Sandwell Council's anti-social behaviour team, with Sandwell Police and Sandwell Homes, took action after listening to concerns.
Councillor Ian Jones, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "It's good to see the council, Sandwell Homes and police working closely together to get this excellent result for the community, which will be a huge relief to local residents."
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said: "The vast majority of council tenants are law-abiding – but we are cracking down firmly on the small minority who are involved in criminal and anti-social behaviour."
Sgt Stephanie Court, of West Midlands Police, said the home had been a source of misery for residents. She said: "We are extremely pleased these individuals have been evicted and residents can once again get on with their lives."
Walsall County Court ordered the possession order at a hearing on 19 October.
