Snodland flat subject to forced closure following anti-social behaviour

A Snodland flat linked to anti-social behaviour and harassment has been closed down through work by Kent Police.

A closure order for the property in Pollyfields Close was granted at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 November 2023, following a stream of alleged nuisance and criminal behaviour from a local resident.

Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order prevents anyone, other than the landlord, from visiting the property. Failure to comply may result in a custodial sentence or an unlimited fine.

Anti-social behaviour and harassment

Officers from Kent Police’s Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Unit, alongside the force’s legal services and Central Prevention Command, acted against the property after receiving repeated reports of anti-social behaviour and harassment, between July and November 2023.

Inspector Terry Newman said:

‘Our officers identified the address in Snodland as receiving a high number of complaints of anti-social behaviour, which was in turn negatively affecting neighbouring properties. ‘This order will give respite to residents and enable us to work further with housing officers to prevent any future crime and disorder at the property, using all powers available to us to respond robustly and to bring cases to court.’

Charged

Adrian Bathurst, aged 61, appeared before the same court charged with harassment without violence and assault, and has been remanded in custody pending a further hearing on Wednesday 3 January 2024.