A man left a house abandoned for several years just to ‘spite his siblings’ and prevent them profiting from any sale.
The property on Bridle Road, Burton Joyce, had been left abandoned since 2002 and despite Gedling Borough Council’s requests no action was taken to rectify the state of the derelict property.
Neighbours complained as the walls crumbled and the garden became so overgrown weeds hid the house.
In an interview with the council, the owner, Timothy Clayton, revealed that he had not done the works to ‘spite his siblings’ because they would receive the proceeds if the property was sold.
Officers decided to take him to court, where he has just been fined nearly £1,000.
Witnesses gave statements on the property being an eyesore and one experienced problems with mice coming into their kitchen.
When inspectors visited the property had been reclaimed by nature, with the garden overgrown to the point that the property could not be seen from the road.
Inside the property multiple hazards were found including there being no heating, holes in the roof and walls, missing ceilings, defective guttering, electrical hazards, fire risks, a collapsed retaining wall and dangerous stairs.
The council served a notice on Mr Clayton ordering him to take steps to make the property safe to live in, and a further notice telling him to clear the overgrown garden.
Mr Clayton was found guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court of failing to comply with notices served by Gedling Borough Council requiring that he tidy up and make safe the property at 70 Bridle Road, Burton Joyce.
He was was fined £500 plus £400 costs.
Gedling Borough Councillor David Ellis said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision to require Mr Clayton to sort out the state of this property.
“This house has been left empty and disused at a time when we have shortfall of new homes.
“We have a priority to provide new homes and we will take enforcement action if properties are left abandoned and are an eyesore.”