A LANDLORD has narrowly escaped jail after evicting a tenant from his property without warning.
Richard James Driver, 48, of Ladyroyd, Silkstone Common, was convicted by Barnsley Magistrates Court after pleading guilty for unlawful eviction and being in control of a house in multiple occupation without a license.
He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, plus 80 hours unpaid work.
He was also fined £360 and ordered to pay £2,764.26 in costs to Barnsley Council and £115 Victim Surcharge.
Councillor Jenny Platts said: “Today’s sentencing sends a very clear message to all landlords that the courts will take the unlawful eviction of tenants very seriously.
“Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police will investigate all allegations relating to unlawful eviction and will robustly enforce against any landlord malpractice identified to deter others from failing to follow the correct procedure for bringing tenancies to an end."
