A rogue landlord who bombarded her tenant with threatening messages has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Janice Pope, of Higher Contour Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth, had tried to force the tenant out of her property in Stone, Staffordshire, after the mother of two complained to Stafford Council about the condition of the house, including damp and mould, a faulty boiler, and inadequate ventilation.

Magistrates in Cannock were told Pope sent abusive voice messages, texts, and calls to the tenant. These included threats that the bailiffs were coming, and that the rent was being increased by 25%. On one day, Pope tried to contact the tenant 35 times and on another day she made 21 calls to her.

Magistrates heard the former tenant was “terrified” to give evidence in court. Prosecutor Lucy Taylor-Grime said the nine-month campaign started as soon as the council became involved because of the poor state of the property.

Demands

“There were unlawful demands for increased rent, threats to attend the property and threats to cause harm," she said. "There appears to be no justification for these actions other than to avoid compliance with the statutory obligations of a landlord.

“The tenant was left in a position of fear and intimidation by the defendant when there was no need to be.”

Action

Pope admitted pursuing a course of action in an attempt to illegally evict a tenant and was given 24 weeks custody suspended for two years and was ordered to pay £754 in costs. She must also complete 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.  

At a hearing last September, she was ordered to pay nearly £3,500 by magistrates after ignoring legal action to improve the house by failing to comply with abatement notices.

The council says it will apply for Pope to be put on the rogue landlord database.

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