A tenant whose flat was at the centre of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour allegations has been evicted after her property was closed down.
Ipswich magistrates granted a three-month closure order on Tara Bowley’s housing association-owned flat in the town’s Wilberforce Street.
It came after an application was made by Suffolk police, supported by the borough council and the property’s owner.
After the order was made Pc Danny Thompson, anti-social behaviour officer with Suffolk Constabulary, said: “This flat has been a problem for some time and we are pleased residents can now live in peace and tranquillity without the threat of fear, alarm or distress of Class A drug-dealing on their doorsteps.”
During the hearing the court heard how there had been a catalogue of incidents in and around the flat which had caused problems for neighbours.
However, Ms Bowley who represented herself, said: “I just feel like I’m being victimised.
“It seems like you have this perception of me, and this perception of me is totally wrong.”
Ms Bowley told magistrates she had been a heroin addict for 27 years and had moved into the property in 2015.
Ms Bowley said drug dealers had preyed upon her and she had been subjected to duress.
Ms Bowley added: “I have been threatened to be set alight. I have been threatened to be beaten up.
“I’m still struggling with my heroin addiction.
“I ain’t here to cause people a nuisance. I just want to get on with my life.”
The court heard Ms Bowley had been off drugs for five years before moving into her flat.
She said: “When I moved into the block there were dealers next door to me. I was fighting 27 years’ addiction and it was easy to get.
“Then it got out of hand. Because I was on my own they used to intimidate me.
“If I wouldn’t let them in they would kick my door open.”
Previously Carly McGuire, prosecuting, told magistrates they could accept the civil case as proven on the balance of probabilities.
The court heard there had been numerous incidents leading up to the application and that Ms Bowley had declined to engage with the authorities. This was despite her being given every chance to do so.
The successful application means it is the third closure order to be granted this year in Ipswich following others on properties in Prospect Street and Rope Walk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here