Cannabis convict loses home

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Legal

A cannabis supplying Sheffield council tenant has had his home taken away from him.

In January Gareth Pitts, of 11 Margate Drive, Burngreave, was given a 12-month prison sentence for a number of cannabis-related crimes.

Sheffield Homes took action on behalf of the Council to repossess his property.  

During a court hearing in May, Deputy District Judge Mason made an immediate possession order and Pitts was evicted from the property.

In September 2011 Pitts, 25, was searched by police outside the block of flats he formerly lived in after he was spotted throwing a wrap of cannabis on the ground.

A subsequent search of the offender’s property uncovered two ounces of the drug along with digital scales and cling film.

He was convicted at Sheffield Magistrates Court in December 2011 of supply of cannabis, producing cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Cllr Harry Harpham, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “There is no excuse for breaking the law and using one of our properties for criminal activity.

“We will take swift and effective action to evict people who breach their tenancy conditions.

“Although it’s a last resort, we will not hesitate to follow this course of action if we have to.”