A rogue landlord faces a possible jail sentence for harassment and failing to comply with a banning order.

Paul Sanderson was first prosecuted by Cambridge City Council in 2021 after he didn’t repair his HMO on Perne Road (pictured) and ignored an improvement notice. In March 2022, he was banned from renting properties and added to the national database of rogue landlords.

However, following a complaint and further investigation, Sanderson was found to be letting out a caravan at the Perne Road property.

During a trial at Peterborough Magistrates Court, Sanderson was also found guilty of harassment offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and obstruction under the Housing Act for preventing council officers from carrying out their duties.

He has been bailed until 26th October when he will be sentenced at Cambridge Magistrates Court.

During a previous hearing, the landlord told a First Tier Property Tribunal that problems had been blown out of proportion and that he was too poor to carry out the works required. The 77-year-old said he earnt his living selling second-hand cars to eke out his pension.

Councillor Gerri Bird (pictured), executive councillor for housing and homelessness, says: “This prosecution should serve as a warning to the small minority of landlords and property agents who break the law and put their tenants at risk.

"Where those responsible for private rented accommodation in the city flagrantly disregard the law, we will take enforcement action under the range of powers available to us where necessary.”

In 2013, local media reported that South Cambridge District Council had warned Sanderson he could face prison if he continued trading without planning permission from a car lot labelled an eyesore by local residents.