"Neighbour from hell" is evicted

Officials have been granted possession of the house

A Sheffield man branded a "neighbour from hell" has been evicted from his council house by a judge.

Martin Wesson who lives on Valley Road, High Green, will be forced to leave the house he occupies with his partner and children within seven days.

Sheffield County Court heard neighbours complained of living near the "hell house" where drunkenness and aggressive behaviour intimidated other residents.

Mr Wesson did not file a defence but disputed some of the evidence.

Judge Reddihough heard that Mr Wesson had breached tenancy conditions through non-payment of rent and anti-social behaviour.

Excessive drinking, loud music and arguments including foul language late at night and going on into the early hours had been suffered by his neighbours.

Judge Reddihough found Mr Wesson had ignored numerous warnings about the behaviour of himself and others in the house.

And the judge said he accepted witnesses' comments that "life is very grim" living near Mr Wesson, while other neighbours said it was like "living near a hell house."

The behaviour had gone on for three years, the court heard.

Sheffield City Council was awarded possession of the house and the costs of the case.

Councillor Chris Weldon, the cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "Taking possession of someone's house is not something we do lightly, however, we have a duty to ensure that our tenants do not cause problems for their neighbours."