A landlord and his property manager who both evicted a tenant illegally have been found guilty of a ‘despicable act’.

The comment has been made by the judge following the trial of landlord Jamie Punton, who is also a director of Wisbech Construction Ltd, and his property manager Arslan Anjum, both from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire.

Their prosecution was initiated by Fenland District Council after the eviction on Cherry Road (main image) in February 2024 which left the family involved, including young children, out of the street with their belongings strewn across the property’s driveway.

Police who attended the scene captured body-worn camera footage that showed the defendants being aggressive and verbally abusive towards the family.

Fenland District Council's Private Sector Housing team carried out a detailed 14-month investigation, gathering evidence and supporting the affected family.

At Peterborough Magistrates' Cour, the Judge condemned the actions, saying: "This is a despicable act, and something that is quite wicked when you think about the impact that it has had. It must have been confusing and frightening for them."

Punton was sentenced to a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and must adhere to a monitored curfew from 7pm to 7am. Mr Anjum was sentenced to 160 hours of unpaid community work.

Both defendants were ordered to pay the Council's prosecution costs of £9,592 between them.

Highly complex

Cllr Gary Christy (pictured), Fenland District Council's Cabinet member for housing enforcement, says: "This outcome sends a clear message to landlords and letting agents that illegal evictions will not be tolerated in Fenland.

“I want to commend the exceptional work of our Private Sector Housing team, who navigated a highly complex and sensitive case over 14 months.

“Their efforts in supporting the tenant, particularly in overcoming language barriers and ensuring the victim remained engaged, were vital in securing this conviction."

Carolyn Bracken, the council's prosecuting barrister, adds: "This has not been a straightforward investigation and creating and maintaining a positive and supportive relationship with the tenant was key to the prosecution's success.

“It is obvious from the judge's sentencing remarks how valuable the victim's personal statement was in influencing sentence."

Main image: Google Streetview