Wandsworth Council has successfully evicted a man convicted of taking part in the August 2011 riots.

Looter Jonathan Mason, 37, of Fontley Way, Roehampton, has been evicted from his flat on the anniversary of his involvement in the disorder.

He is the first council house tenant to succesfully be evicted based upon his actions during the riots.

Mason was sent to prison for three years at the Inner London Crown Court on September 12, 2012 after being found guilty of burglary after looting HSBC in Lavender Hill, Battersea.

Wandsworth Council's housing department began legal proceedings to recover his council-owned flat on the grounds he breached tenancy conditions last year.

Tenants in council owned homes must agree to not engage in criminal or anti social behaviour in the borough.

A judge at Wandsworth County Court granted an eviction order at a hearing on July 12, ordering Mason to vacate the property within 28 days or mount an appeal.

Mason also owed rent to the sum of £5,695, which he was ordered to pay.

Councillor Paul Ellis, cabinet member for housing, said: "Mr Mason’s decision to involve himself in the shocking scenes of violence, looting and disorder that struck Clapham Junction in August 2011, coupled with his wilful refusal to pay his rent, has resulted in him losing his council flat.

"The date of today’s eviction is nothing more than pure coincidence, but it does serve as a timely reminder that here in this borough we make no apology whatsoever for taking a tough stance with those who choose to engage in serious criminality.

"We have no room on our estates for looters, rioters and those who refuse to pay their rent."

 

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