Squatter imprisoned under new Act
In the article "Get off my land ... and into jail" dated
16 May 2012, we discussed the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment
of Offenders Act 2012 ("the Act") and in particular how squatters
of residential properties could find themselves in prison by virtue
of Section 144 of the Act.
The Act came into force on 1 September 2012 as planned. Alex
Haigh, a 21 year old apprentice bricklayer now has the dubious
honour of becoming the first person to be jailed under the Act
having been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after pleading guilty
to occupying a housing association property in Pimlico, London
without consent.
Mr Haigh, Anthony Ismond and Michelle Blake were arrested on
2 September 2012 at what was, prior to their occupation, an empty
flat. All three were charged with breaching Section 144 of
Act.
Mr Ismond was fined £100 for squatting and recalled to prison
for being in breach of licence. Ms Blake, who also pleaded guilty,
is to be sentenced at a later date.
4 October 2012