Court evicts family for racial abuse

A JUDGE evicted a couple from their council home yesterday because their teenage son made their neighbour's life a 'living hell'.

The 16-year-old boy was responsible for a series of racial attacks and abuse against the Pakistani family, Birmingham County Court was told.

Birmingham City Council was seeking an eviction order against the parents, but said the son was mostly to blame. The eviction was sought under tenancy clauses banning racial harassment of neighbours.

Judge Alan Taylor told the family, who cannot be named, that the eviction order must take effect from 30 November. He said: 'With considerable reluctance I have come to the conclusion that the factors are in support of making an order.

'Having heard the evidence and seen the witnesses I believe the son is beyond his parents' control. The quicker they are removed from the area the better for all concerned.' The eviction is thought to be the first of its kind in the city.

Speaking through a Punjabi interpreter, the neighbour said she had been living in Winson Green, Birmingham, for two years during which time the boy had repeatedly tormented her. He had called her a 'Pakistani bitch', beaten up her son, now aged eight, followed her chanting racist insults and spat on her. The boy claimed he was a victim of lies and said his neighbour's two daughters, aged 10 and 11, had stared at him 'in a funny way'.

After the hearing the mother of the boy said: 'It was handled all wrongly by Birmingham City Council, but I thought the judge was very fair.'

The neighbour also issued a statement welcoming the decision. 'I am pleased that the judge realised the extent of terror I was exposed to over two-and-a-half years,' she said.' I just want to live my life in peace.'