Terrence Kermode, from Flintshire, was fined by magistrates in Mold for his 'outrageous' behaviour

A landlord appeared in court after he ripped out his tenant's bathroom in a "moment of madness" over unpaid rent. Terrence Kermode, of Wood Lane in Hawarden, Flintshire, removed the toilet, sink, and other bathroom fittings from a property he was renting out.

Kermode, aged 76, who has been a landlord for 30 years, said he caused the damage after learning that a sum of money from the tenant was outstanding, WalesOnline reports. Appearing at Mold Magistrates Court on September 15, Kermode pleaded guilty to unlawfully evicting and harassing a tenant under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

At a sentencing hearing at the same court last week the landlord was told that his behaviour was “outrageous” and effectively amounted to breaking into someone’s home and removing belongings from it. Images taken from inside the bathroom show the ripped out toilet, sink, and other items dumped in the bath, leaving an exposed pipe protruding from the wall and holes in the floor and wall.

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Kermode’s age was offered as mitigation along with the fact that he had no prior convictions and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. However, despite those facts, the landlord was handed a fine of £1,000, a surcharge of £100, and made to pay costs of more than £2,600 – all of which he must pay within 28 days.

“We believe everyone has the right to live in a home which is in good repair, safe, warm and secure,” said Christopher Bithell, Flintshire council’s cabinet member for planning, public health, and public protection. "Whilst we aim to reduce the health effects of poor housing conditions through a combination of advice and financial assistance occasionally we deal with matters that are so serious a prosecution is necessary.

“This successful prosecution sends out a clear message to landlords that Flintshire council will do all it can to protect its residents from unlawful eviction and harassment. It reflects Flintshire’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are properly managed and that tenants are afforded the security that they need during the current cost of living crisis.”